Penthouse 10

CSI Star Arrested

Gary Dourdan, who has starred in 183 episodes of CSI (2000-2008), has been arrested in Palm Springs on the suspicion of possessing drugs.  An officer found Dourdan sleeping in his car, which had been parked on the wrong side of the road.  Dourdan plans on leaving the top-rated CSI in May, so this incident is unlikely to affect production on his hit show.  I'm sure fans will miss seeing Dourban on the show, but it'll be interesting to see what new characters CBS has install. 

The Photograph

CNN reports that teen queen Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, is involved in a 'Vanity Fair' photo controversy.  The photo in question , shows Cyrus holding a  blanket, with her bare back visible.  The photograph was taken by acclaimed photographer, Annie Leibovitz, who was recently in the news for her untraditional portrait photos of the Queen of England.  Leibovitz has defended her photo of Cyrus by saying, "I'm sorry that my portrait of Miley has been misinterpreted... The photograph is a simple, classic portrait, shot with very little makeup, and I think it is very beautiful."  I agree.  The portrait is composed beautifully, and doesn't appear to be intentionally provocative.  In the article, even Cyrus says, "I thought, this looks pretty, and really natural. I think it’s really artsy.”  This matter is up to subjective debate, and it appears the media is sensationalizing it.  Either way, I believe Hannah Montana will continue to be Disney's top show.

78!

Director / Producer  Richard Donner turns 78 today!  It's hard to believe that 30 years ago his film, "Superman: The Movie", starring the late Christopher Reeve, ignited the box office.  "Superman" is still one of my favorite movies, and I'd love to see Donner direct another one!   Donner is also known for directing the "Lethal Weapon" movies and over 25 different TV series, including episodes of "Get Smart" &                                              "The Twlight Zone". 

R.I.P. Ms. De Carlo!

Yvonne De Carlo, died of heart failure on Monday in Los Angeles. She was 84.

I know that Yvonne had a wonderful career in films in the 40’s and 50’s starring with Charlton Heston, Clark Gable, Sidney Poitier and so many more, but she is probably is best known for her role as the wickedly glamorous Mrs. Munster. A role she took after her husband, a stunt man, was injured.
As I write this brief note about her, I can hear the Munsters theme playing in my head. I grew up watching the Munsters and loved it so! So thank you Yvonne for being a part of my childhood memories.

Friday Birthdays

NATPE Birthday to Tom Snyder, George Carlin, Susan Hampshire, Linda Dano, Bruce Boxleitner, Bruce McCulloch, Vanessa A. Williams, Kim Greist, Stephen Baldwin, Kim Fields, Jamie Luner, Mackenzie Astin, Emily VanCamp, Malcolm David Kelley and Sullivan and Sawyer Sweeten!

Today in 1960, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra appeared together on an ABC special. In 1963, Bob Dylan refused to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Thursday Birthday

NATPE Birthday to Mort Sahl, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Martha Quinn, Coby Bell and Jonathan Jackson.

Today in 1928, the first analog TV service was offered by WGY-TV.

Hump Day

NATPE Birthday to Pat Sumerall, Gary Owens, Meg Foster, Chris Berman, Erik Palladino, Jason Brooks and Kenan Thompson!

Today in 1982, Elliott Gould made his television debut in The Rules of Marriage on CBS.

Tuesday Cake Walk

NATPE Birthday to Mike Wallace, James L. Brooks, Candice Bergen, Alley Mills, John Corbett and Rachel Boston!

Today in 1955, Jim Henson & Kermit the Frog debuted on television in Sam and Friends. In 1958, Richard Burton made his network television debut in "Romeo and Juliet" on The Dupont Show of the Month. In 1961, FCC Chairman Newton Minnow denounced television programming as a "vast wasteland" in a speech to the NAB. In 1990, Sinead O'Connor refused to appear with Andrew Dice Clay on Saturday Night Live.

New releases on DVD this week include The Andy Griffith Show (Season 6); Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (Season 1); Everybody Loves Raymond (Season 6); The Facts of Life (Seasons 1 & 2); The Golden Girls (Season 5); Life Goes On (Season 1); Northern Exposure (Seasons 1 & 2); The Phil Silvers Show (50th Anniversary Edition); Rescue Me (Season 2); Scrubs (Season 3); That '70s Show (Season 4); Trailer Park Boys (Season 5); and The West Wing (Season 6).

Monday

NATPE Birthday to Don Rickles, Stephen Furst, Melissa Gilbert and Julia Whelan!

Today in 1914, Paramount Pictures was formed. In 1961, Jackie Cooper and Mickey Rooney appeared together for the first time in 25 years, on an episode of Hennessey.

Friday, at last

NATPE Birthday to Ann B. Davis, Pat Carroll, Michael Murphy, Lance Henriksen, Michael Palin, Roger Rees, Kurt Loder, Dave Spector, Brian Williams, Kyan Douglas, Tina Yothers and Danielle Fishel!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!