Page Uniforms on NBC's Today Show...

If you missed it, here were the nominees for new NBC Page Uniform...


Personally, I think they should stick with the blue suit.

Changing the look of the NBC Page Forever?

There is a change that will be taking place in the next couple of days that I haven't decided if I like of dislike yet. Apparently, NBC has decided to change the traditional uniforms for the long running NBC Page Program. Since NBC began the Page Program in 1933, the uniform has for the most part remained unchanged. But that could all change next week (March 24, 2008). During a segment on the TODAY Show, America will vote on what the next Page uniform will look like. Apparently, Brooks Bros. has designed three different uniform variations for the east and west coast Page programs and America will get the chance to decide which outfit they like best. So be sure to tune in and do your part.

The reason I am torn on this event is mostly because of the rich history behind the Page Program. I am a purest and I would like to see the current uniform remain. It is such an honor to be selected as a Page. Thousands apply to be a page every year, but only a select few are given the opportunity to be a page. And I feel lucky to be included in this fraternity of sorts. And you know that deep down I really won't care what Pages are wearing, I will always remember my year as a page and all the wonderful experiences and people I met in the program. I just want future Pages to have the same amazing experience that I had. Long live the NBC Page.

Phil, Tom, ME and Larry Working the ROSE BOWL PARADE 2007

Can it be.....Writer's Strike OVER?

I have been on edge for the past few months and for good reason. As many of you know the Writers Guild of America has been on "strike" since November 5th 2008, virtually shutting down all TV and feature productions overnight. For me this strike was extra nerve-racking because picketing began on the VERY same day I started my new job as a Production Coordinator at Universal Media Studios. So you can see why I thought coming into this job that I could very well be out of work in just a matter of months. That idea was awful knowing that it took a considerable amount of time and effort to finally get the Production gig.

So in defiance of the strike, that possibly meant the utter demise of my new career, I decided to grow my facial hair to symbolize my struggle to survive. I compare it to Tom Hank's same struggle in the film Cast Away. We are both stuck in a situation that we didn't choose, but are forced to survive. No, I didn't find myself talking to blood-stained volleyballs, and I did keep the sides of my man-mane trimmed (for shallow narcissistic reasons), but I was driven to similar extremes a la the strike. The killer was not knowing how long the studio would go until starting to lay people off. But now, the end of the strike is finally in sight, like a passing oil barge for Tom Hanks, and it's time to think about losing the face fuzz.

Although its not officially 100% over, rumors of the strikes end have been all over the news in recent days. Today, the membership of the Writers Guild of America is expected to vote (Tuesday) to end the strike. But nothing is guaranteed. Apparently an organizer for the WGA-West told the Daily Variety that the tables, canopies and thousands of red-and-black picket signs have not been put away yet. But on the brighter side, several showrunners started working on Monday and ABC renewed nine series for the fall (yes, including Lost). As far as my beloved NBC goes, Daily Variety says the peacock is expected to bring back "most of its Thursday laffers," namely "My Name is Earl," "The Office," "and "30 Rock." All good signs that these horrid three months could be well over.

With all these encouraging rumors (and some pressure from an uncountable number of females) I will officially be removing the beard in a matter of hours. That's right, the time has come, to say farewell. And lets hope for the good of my cause and the entertainment business that the WGA follows through and finally puts this strike to bed.

My Top TV Shows...

After watching the Lost Season 4 premiere last night I began to realize that I have some pretty good taste in television shows. And with the miracle of technology, I want to share with you my top five shows that are on right now (writers strike pending).

1. Dexter - This crime/drama adds a twist by making the protagonist a psychotic serial killer. Dexter, who's foster father recognized his killer tendencies at an early age taught Dexter how to use those cravings for good. By day Dexter works with the Miami police department as a forensic scientist, by night he hunts down those that have dark pasts and rightfully kills them. Just wrapping up its second season, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my favorite complex character makes a bloody comeback.




2. Battlestar Galactica - I'm sorry to say that this masterpiece of a television series gets a bum wrap. When most people hear the name, they automatically think cheese ball Star Trek-type television series. When in fact, this show is one of the most emotionally charged, political dramas that is on television today (it just happens to be set in space.). I will admit that it wasn't until I started to work for the production executive of this show, that I even considered watching it. And I probably would have never even thought about it based on the name alone. But this is EASILY my number two. If you have not seen this show, you HAVE to jump on the band wagon. I guarantee you that you will get hooked. There is only one more season remaining so get in before it's over...




3. Heroes- Is great. A group of "gifted" people use their special abilities to save the world. Don't worry, no spandex tights in this show. As a kid, I loved the super hero genre and comic books, so maybe I am being a little biased on this one but it is a very entertaining show. It blends great action, a little bit of soapy drama, and some very impressive special effects. It gets the three spot because it can drag a bit at times, but like Lost, there are excellent cliff hangers. (by the way I was in a national Heroes promo CLICK HERE to see it.)



4. 30 Rock - In my opinion this is the MOST underrated comedy on television right now. With the likes of SNL greats, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, and Alec Baldwin, you are sure to find yourself laughing uncontrollably. Although the show doesn't pull very many viewers, each season has gotten lots critical acclaim. If this show isn't on your Tivo, add it. I promise this half hour will turn into your favorite half hour of the week. Here is one of my favorite moments from season 1...


5. Lost - see what I wrote about this show a few entries below, or CLICK HERE.


6. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - It's still a bit early to say this is my number 6 favorite show, but of the 3 episodes I've seen so far, I am hooked. The pilot, which aired on January 13, 2008, was jam packed full of above average CGI and action sequences. I am a true fan of the original Terminator franchise, and I really like where producers and writers have taken the story in this new Fox series. Set to take place after Terminator 2: Judgement Day, we follow Sarah and John Connor in their pursuit for survival. It seems that Skynet is aware of the fact that John is still alive and continues to send Terminators through time to annihilate the teen. This show can go in a lot of directions, with the combination of time travel and unidentifiable cyborgs, there is sure to be a lot of action. Take a gander...



Those are just a few of my favorite shows...you should check them out, if you haven't already, but you don't have to take my word for it...