01/10/2008 @ 10:45am PST Thursday Morning, January 10th! Talk about irony and coincidence, the death of the "Honorary Mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant really struck home last night with me. "BUZZ" has Lindsay and Britney, Celeb couples "scoop", and "People's Choice" wasn't! "PHOTO GALLERY" - Comedian Paul Rodriguez and a 1982 picture of then Golden Globe winner, Pia Zadora!
As I mentioned in "BUZZ" today, it was one of those news flashes you expected to hear someday, but when it actually happened last night, there was a real sense of loss.
Johnny Grant, the "Honorary Mayor of Hollywood", died in his sleep last night at age 84, apparently of natural causes. He was confined to a wheel chair most of the time these days, and when I last saw him at a charity walk in Hollywood last year (pictures are on the "BUZZ" link), he was still as vibrant and dynamic as ever, with that twinkle in his eye and quick wit one-liners, greeting everyone who approached him to say hi. You can hear part of my last conversation with him on that day and my last studio interview with Johnny a few years ago on the "CLIPS" link today.
The above picture was taken a year ago at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the last one to be so named, because it was originated by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and produced by Johnny Grant for decades (Johnny and I talk about that on the "CLIPS" link today). Hollywood was his baby, and he was the driving force behind revitalizing "Tinseltown" to the original glamour and mystique generations knew in the golden era of show business.
The irony and coincidence for me today is, it's the 18th anniversary of Johnny welcoming me with my Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was January 10th, 1990, and a beautiful sunny day, much like this morning was, when Johnny officiated another one of the hundreds of Star Ceremonies, only this time it was for me. Here is the picture of Johnny shaking my hand after my introduction and welcoming me to the podium for my remarks that day.
A real coincidence about today and 18 years ago today, I had just been fired back then too, by KRLA because of budget cuts. They had called me the morning after Christmas to let me know I wouldn't be returning from Christmas vacation because they couldn't afford me anymore. But since they had already nominated me and paid for my Star Ceremony, that they wouldn't say anything on the air until after my "extended" vacation ended at the Star ceremony itself. That's when I told the crowd in my remarks what had happened. Johnny Grant didn't even know, and in his introduction of me that day said "Well, this honor today Charlie, should help you get a nice big fat raise!" He was shocked minutes later, when I took the stage to tell everyone that I was out of work.
Fortunately, a couple of weeks later, I was back on the air in the morning at KODJ-FM, the CBS owned 93.1 in those days. Here's the actual unveiling of the star itself with Bill Welsh to my left, and my friends Actress Kay Lenz right behind Bill and me, Chuck Woolery (top of his head partially cut-off) to the right of Kay, Casey Kasem, and another actress friend who is originally from Nebraska, Lindsay Bloom right behind Johnny. My son Daniel is taking this picture, with the rest of my family (who don't like the spotlight) in the background behind everyone)....except for that little guy in the pink shirt next to me....that's my son Bryan, who is now soon to be 28, and designed this website for me. Oh, if you click on the arrow beneath the picture, you can hear Johnny Grant's unforgettable voice officially welcoming me to the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
God Bless You Johnny! You've probably already taken over the emcee duties at the Golden Gates welcoming people to heaven I'll bet!
"BUZZ" today has more pictures and facts about Johnny Grant, Lindsay's being sued, Britney's family upset with Dr. Phil, Celeb couples scoop, and the People's Choice awards wasn't...at least in the TV ratings. "CLIPS" as I've mentioned is Johnny Grant remembered. "GALLERY" has more vintage photos from the 80's including comedian Paul Rodriguez in studio, as well as then 1982 Golden Globe winner Pia Zadora. "TALKBACK" has an online listener from Germany who learned English listening to my shows over the years and more best wishes.
Thank you again for all your listening and loyalty. The Star ceremony 18 years ago today, would have never happened without each and every one of you. You've made my dreams come true, and for that I will always be forever grateful!
Charlie
01/09/2008 @ 10:55am PST Wednesday Morning, January 9th! Today, Bill Gates video of his last day at Microsoft, plus Consumer Electronics Show highlights, and some pictures to make you smile! "BUZZ" - People's Choice Awards, Britney's boys on "OK" magazine, Jamie Lynn ratings. "PHOTO GALLERY" - A 1978 photo of me presenting a Grammy to the Producer of the Year, and Leeza Gibbons with Marilu Henner.
Bill Gates can still laugh at himself and have fun, which is exactly what he did with this video yesterday during his keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas!
In the latest evolution of technology that is being unveiled at the Vegas show this week, The ability to connect practically all electronic devices to the Internet will unleash a burst of innovation and business opportunities that will rival the impact on personal computers, Intel CEO Paul Otellini said Monday.
Otellini presented a vision of an always-on, always-connected experience for consumers, whether sitting in their homes, driving their cars, or riding their bikes. "We're now in the midst of the largest opportunity to redefine consumer electronics and entertainment since the introduction of the television," Otellini said. "The personal Internet of tomorrow will serve you--delivering the information you want, when you want it, how you want, wherever you are."
The Internet has killed off compact discs, film cameras, and numerous other technologies, and now Otellini demonstrated a system-on-a-chip for consumer devices. Code-named "Canmore," the product is intended for use in TVs, set-top boxes, and media players to allow, among other things, the integration of Internet applications. Canmore will be available in the second half of 2008, mating a PC-quality processor core with dedicated audio/video processing that can play 1080p video with 7.1 surround sound; it also includes a 3D graphics unit.
"Packaging several important functions--such as computing, graphics and audio-video processing--into a single chip will help devices do more while taking up less space and energy," Otellini said.
So what could all this expanded potential actually allow consumers to do? Among his demonstrations, Otellini showed how an English-speaking traveler in Beijing could use a mobile device to translate building signs, restaurant menus, and conversations in real-time. Additionally, he showed how the tourist could use the device to visually identify buildings--much in the same way that face recognition technology allows a device to scan and identify a person. Pairing that recognition ability with information supplied via the Internet from a company such as EveryScape--which assisted with the demo--could allow a traveler to learn about the building's interior. (Need to know where the restroom is?)
Steve Harwell, lead singer of the band Smash Mouth, also joined Otellini onstage to demonstrate how pervasive Internet connectivity and powerful processors will enable new social interactions. In their example, Otellini and Harwell showed how a social-networking site could allow musicians around the world to work out new songs or offer virtual concerts. Harwell was joined by three musicians, represented by lifelike avatars, via remote connection. With Harwell singing onstage and the others located elsewhere, they performed a portion of the Smash Mouth hit Walking on the Sun.
What happened yesterday with all the "experts" predictions of the outcome of the New Hampshire Primary? Hillary Clinton wasn't given a chance, yet she is now being hailed, much like her husband Bill was, as the "Comeback Kid". What changed things and the voters minds at the last minute? Some pundits are now saying that it was letting her guard down for this emotional moment the day before the election that swayed a lot more women to vote for her. Humans still respond to human emotion if we think it's genuine.
The old cliche' is "a picture is worth a thousand words". Well, here's your morning essay!
"BUZZ" today has the reworked People's Choice Awards, Britney's emotional story and cover picture in tomorrow's "OK" magazine, sister Jamie Lynn's huge ratings for "Zoey 101", and Mr. Blackwell's worst dressed list. "CLIPS" features part of an interview with Billy Ray Cyrus 10 years ago when Hannah Montana sensation, daughter Miley, was just going on 5 years old, "GALLERY" with a 1978 photo of me when I used to emcee the Pre-Grammy awards presenting the Producer of the Year Grammy, plus a Tuna sandwich with Leeza Gibbons and Marilu Henner, and "TALKBACK" with my answers to listener email!
Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine the rest of the week!
Charlie
01/08/2008 @ 9:45am PST Tuesday Morning, January 8th! Big Showdown in New Hampshire for some key Presidential Candidates. Hear what George Carlin has to say about the voting process! "BUZZ" - Globes Changed, Kidman expecting, Britney's car impounded & Dave's shave! "PHOTO GALLERY" - a 1986 photo of Mike Tyson and Don King, plus John Ritter in 2002!
This could be a huge primary voting result in New Hampshire for some candidates in the Presidential sweepstakes. There's a lot riding on it and a record voter turnout is expected, but what about this voting process. Watch & Listen to George Carlin's take on it. (Caution: it does contain George's usual very strong language)
Having trouble with your new year's resolution to lose weight, well maybe you're weighing yourself wrong. Here's the right way.
AND HERE'S A TRUE/FALSE QUIZ FOR YOU THIS MORNING! KEEP TRACK OF YOUR ANSWERS AS YOU GO THROUGH THE LIST, THEN CHECK THE RESULTS BELOW.
1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.
2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.
3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.
4. People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more.
5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!
6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.
7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.
8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old.
9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.
10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.
11. The average housefly lives for one month.
12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.
13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.
14 The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.
15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.
16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.
17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.
18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.
19. John Travolta turned down the starring roles in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Tootsie."
20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State anthem.
21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.
22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.
23. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.
24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.
25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.
26. If coloring weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.
SEE ANSWERS BELOW
They are all true....Now go back and think about #16
Today's "BUZZ" includes the latest on the Golden Globes ceremony being cancelled, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban will be parents, Britney's car is impounded, see the video, Critics choice awards last night in Santa Monica and the stars turn out, and David Letterman finally shaves, and we've got the video. "CLIPS" has my 1996 conversation with former President Jimmy Carter since the focus is on the race for the White House today, "GALLERY" with pics of then Heavyweight Champ Mike Tyson and Don King with me in 1988, and a 2002 photo of John Ritter in studio just a year before his untimely death. "TALKBACK" has some listener emails with reactions to my "CLIPS" link.
Thank you again for all your emails, it's really helped me to keep in touch with you during this time off the air. Hopefully within a week or so, I'll have an announcement about my next station. There are talks underway now that my Clear Channel contract has ended.
Charlie
01/07/2008 @ 8:10am PST Monday Morning, January 7th! Test Day! A reading test and a people counting test to start your week. Pass my link along to your friends and see how they do. Plus funny signs! "BUZZ" - Britney still "dating" that paparazzi guy, and looks like no Golden Globes TV! "PHOTO GALLERY" - 1984 pictures of Jim Henson & Frank Oz of "Muppets" fame and a very young Heather Locklear!
First thing right off, I want you to read this paragraph below!
fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it.
Just proves that most of the time, we sight read and our brain fills in the blanks to make sense of what we are actually seeing. So maybe people really don't notice your typos:)
Now here's Test #2! Count the people...well try to...you'll probably get a different result each time after they shift around. Are there 12 or 13? Try and figure out how they do it.
AND THE SIGN SAID......
Got a note from listener Robert Lombard who passed along this cell phone tip.
1-800-FREE-411 works with everything (if you don't mind listening to a 15 second ad).and.... it's FREE! No more charges to your cell phone for phone numbers. I tried looking up residential but it only works as a yellow pages type of listings...not residential.
The other service I use frequently is Google's free 411 feature http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/goog411/index.html. It uses a computer voice interface which is at first off-putting, but works quite well. If I'm on the road and looking for the nearest Bob Evans Restaurant, for example, I can dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (466-4411). The computer asks me the where and what, and responds by offering to connect me for FREE, as well as giving me the address and offering to send it as a text message, but Google 411 only works with business listings. Enjoy
Wanna have some fun on the freeways...just tie these balloons to your vehicle, and then drive like crazy down the freeway. Guaranteed to get you some second glances.
Today's "BUZZ" has the latest on Britney, and believe me there's plenty more since she left the hospital. Golden Globes may not happen, at least on TV, late night TV hosts to guest on each other's shows, Roger Clemens finally talked last night on "60 minutes" and another singer divorcing. "CLIPS" has another right brain/left brain test today, and if you think the one on this past Friday's "NEWS" page drove you crazy, just wait.
"GALLERY" has a couple of classic 1984 photos...Jim Henson and Frank Oz in studio promoting the "Muppets in Manhattan" movie, and you can go back in the "CLIPS" files to one of the first entries and hear them doing a Kermit/Miss Piggy fight on the air, plus Heather Locklear with me when she was on 2 shows at once, "T.J. Hooker" and "Dynasty".
"TALKBACK" has more New Year's wishes, a follow-up on my computer virus warning and a question about me having a myspace page. Keep 'em coming!
Charlie
01/04/2008 @ 10:55am PST Friday Morning, January 4th! Are you left brained or right brained? Take this amazing test today and find out! "BUZZ" - The latest on Britney Spear's breakdown and lockdown! Lindsay Lohan slipup, Ashley Tisdale "Before & After" nose pictures! "PHOTO GALLERY" - Actress/Singer Shar Jackson & Beach Boys Mike Love - Bruce Johnston in a 1988 visit!
This is gonna be of those rainy weekends when staying in might be your first choice. The biggest series of storms to hit Southern California are coming since 2005. Record snow levels are already hitting the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the north of us, including Mammoth. That's good news for the dry conditions we've had the last couple of years here, because that's where a lot of our water comes from, via the California aqueduct. What we have to worry about here now is potential mudslides in the burned out areas from the fires this year. No rest for TV news crews and emergency service personnel this weekend.
So are you a left brained person, or a right brained individual? Listener Katie Shell sent this brain test along with an email the other day, and it will drive you a little crazy. Here's what you do first, take a long look at the silhouette of the spinning young lady below!
If you see this lady turning in clockwise you are using your right brain.
If you see it the other way, you are using left brain.
Some people do see both ways, but most people see it only one way. See if you can make her go one way and then the other by shifting the brain's current.
BOTH DIRECTIONS CAN BE SEEN
Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:
Left Brain Right Brain
Logical Random Sequential Intuitive Rational Holistic Analytical Synthesizing Obejective Subjective Looks at parts Looks at wholes
Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of thinking, while downplaying the right-brain ones. Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.
Back in the days of Busch Gardens in Van Nuys having a brewery tour and a mini-zoo in the 70's, they gave me a cockatoo to keep overnight as part of a publicity campaign, and I was warned in advance about keeping fingers away from his beak. Cockatoos don't have as powerful of bite as a parrot, but they can break your skin, and leave a nasty wound. These birds are also a very smart species! One of the most popular YouTube views these past few months has been one of these Cockatoos in action! Take a look at "Snowball" rockin' out to the Backstreet Boys!
And finally, a great story for Friday!
An older, white haired man walked into a jewelry store one Friday evening with a beautiful young girl at his side. He told the jeweler he was looking for a special ring for his girlfriend. The jeweler looked through his stock and brought out a $5000 ring. The old man said, "No, I'd like to see something more special."
At that statement, the jeweler went to his special stock and brought another ring over. "Here's a stunning ring at only $40,000, the jeweler said. The young lady's eyes sparkled and her whole body trembled with excitement. The old man seeing this said, "We'll take it."
The jeweler asked how payment would be made and the old man stated,"by check. I know you need to make sure my check is good, so I'll write it now and you can call the bank Monday to verify the funds and I'll pick the ring up Monday afternoon," he said.
Monday morning, the jeweler phoned the old man. "There's no money in that account." "I know," said the old man, "But let me tell you about my weekend!
In today's "BUZZ", pictures and videos of Britney Spears and the resulting hospital lockdown this morning. Lindsay Lohan slips up, Ashley Tisdale "Before & After" pics, and Leno leads the ratings this week, but not everyone's happy with him. "CLIPS" has part 2 of my visit with Henry Winkler. "PHOTO GALLERY" features a 1988 photo of Beach Boys Bruce Johnston and Mike Love when they dropped by to give me their new single then, "Kokomo" from the Tom Cruise movie "Cocktail", and "TALKBACK" has one listener glad that I'm out of my contract finally.
Stay dry this weekend and be alert for problems! Radio stations in L.A. get their ratings results for the Fall period next Wednesday, and maybe one of them will think about me for their line-up to help increase their numbers this coming year:-)
Charlie
01/03/2008 @ 9:10am PST Thursday Morning, January 3rd! You never know who you're going to run into on an AYSO Soccer Field, especially a famous soccer mom! My story today! "BUZZ" has Kathryn Heigl wedding pix, more Britney drama and an unshaved David Letterman. "PHOTO GALLERY" - A Classic 1976 Dodger Stadium picture and Olivia Newton-John with me in 1975!
What a weekend we've got coming up. 2 to 5 inches of rain expected in the next 4+ days. We could get as much as a third of the total amount we normally get all year. And to put you in the mood, a musical flashback to 1974 with a man I first met when I was commissioner of AYSO Balboa Park soccer in the late 80's. I was refereeing a 7-8 year old boys division game, and there was a particularly loud dad yelling on the sidelines. In talking to him at halftime, I found out he was the musical artist Albert Hammond. I encouraged him to keep his comments toward the team and his son positive and not expect play like he was used to on the professional level in his native Gibraltar. His son Albert Jr. was playing then, and today Albert Jr. has grown up and carries on his father's musical tradition as a member of the band "The Strokes"!
Albert Hammond Sr. with his hit from 33 years ago that the coming rain reminded me of.
You Dads may want to get more involved with your kid's sports. Here's the beautiful actress Jaclyn Smith back in 1987 at our Balboa Park in Encino opening day ceremonies. Yes, one of "Charlie's Angels" was a soccer mom too at one time.
The eyes of the nation are on Iowa today to see if we can start to sort out the still very far off Presidential race. Below is an archeology find of what is believed to be the bones of the very first politician of human ancestry.
And in case you missed it, here was Letterman's opening bit last night after 2 months off.
Check out the "BUZZ" today as I mentioned earlier for Britney, Late-Night highlights as Jay, Dave, Jimmy, Conan and Craig return, Heigl wedding pictures, and Rosie accepts her latest award...sort of! "CLIPS" parallels the Dodger Stadium picture in the "GALLERY" link today. It's Dodgers Bill Russell and Ron Cey and the cast of "Happy Days" Henry 'The Fonz' Winkler, Tom Bosley and Ron Howard with me for a Dodger pre-game softball game with the "Happy Days" cast and crew taking on my radio station at the time, KIIS! Henry Winkler and I talked about those golden days a couple of years ago and it's on "CLIPS" today. "GALLERY" also has a picture of Olivia Newton-John and me in 1975 backstage at Universal after her concert that night. "TALKBACK" features more response emails from my recent first mass email Charlie Tuna Update.
Now get ready for the rain.....it's gonna be wet!
Charlie
01/02/2008 @ 9:00am PST Wednesday Morning, January 2nd! Watch out for the latest internet virus trick! Scary details on the "NEWS" link! "BUZZ" today has an "OH WOW" picture of the Beckhams! "PHOTO GALLERY" - Janice Marie Johnson - 'A Taste of Honey' "Boogie Oogie Oogie"!
So have you kept your New Year's resolutions so far? When I was out driving yesterday, at least in my neighborhood, it looked like there were a few more people on the streets jogging or walking. Here's to all of us keeping that exercise vow we made to ourselves to lose weight and get in shape!
A reminder too, that 740 new California laws kicked in yesterday, including quite a few that affect us California drivers. Here's a link to check out the new vehicle code.
Right off the bat, as a lot of you settle back into work today, watch out for the latest computer virus threat, the "Postcard Virus". Here's what it looks like in your email, I got this this morning, and didn't recognize the sender, so since I never open attachments or click on links from people I don't know, I did a little checking. This link's URL points to a server hosting a variety of malware including a variant of the "Storm" Trojan which has been infecting PC's since early last year. To read all about it, here's the Snopes Urban Legend link, only this time as they point out, it's real!
Speaking of links, it's safe to click on this one too. It was one of the many card links from you listeners, (this one's from Betsy Baum) who sent this to me for the New Year. This one is really good!
What's ahead for 2008 in the world of Celebrities? Here's Perez Hilton's take!
The Rose Parade, a full day of Football Bowl Games yesterday, and congratulations to the USC Trojans on a blowout of Illinois in the Rose Bowl. That game was over before the first half ended. Luckily for all of us, our annual New Year's day on national television was great weather as usual, but starting tomorrow we're in for 5 days of wet stuff...that's right 5 days of rain. We may get anywhere from 2 to 5 inches which will put us way ahead of what's normal precipitation for this time of year. Good news for a state that may be looking at water usage restrictions if don't get a lot more of these kind of storms in the coming months.
Finally, Happy Birthday to my oldest daughter Michelle today! I love you and couldn't be more proud of you Michelle! To the rest of you, check out the "BUZZ" today, and don't miss the Beckham photo, Eddie Murphy ties the knot, another TV series star engagement, Paul McCartney has heart surgery, Jessica Simpson goin' Country, and a crazy Shia LaBeouf video. "GALLERY" adds "A Taste of Honey. "CLIPS" features a flashback to 1978 with my newsman then, Boyd R. Britton introducing the topic of spontaneous human combustion to my morning radio audience, and "TALKBACK" with a listener suggestion for my next radio format.
Now I've got no contract and have to get busy seeing what's the next radio stop for me.
Charlie
01/01/2008 @ 8:00am PST Tuesday Morning, January 1st! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Have you made your resolutions? Kick off 2008 with some thoughts from Comedian Jackie Mason on the "NEWS" link! "BUZZ" has the latest on the Late-Night Guys & last night's New Year's appearance of the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus!
Happy 2008! Here's some pretty sage advice about life from Comedian Jackie Mason!
This link's URL points to a server hosting a variety of malware including a variant of the "Storm" Trojan which has been infecting PC's since early last year. To read all about it, here's the Snopes Urban Legend link, only this time as they point out, it's real!
