What's the word on the picket line? Check out what the Late Show writers are saying on their new website, www.LateShowWritersOnStrike.com
It's no Wahoo, but it is informative and entertaining. Like I said, it's no Wahoo.

For your strike news:
www.Wga.org - the writers union, west
www.wgaeast.org - the writers union, east
www.amptp.org - the "other" side of the writers - the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com - Nikki Finke of L.A. Weekly - this is the website EVERYONE goes to for strike news . . . right after going to the Wahoo Gazette.
www.millerandgreen.blogspot.com - a blog written by former writers of the Late Show sharing their views on the strike

And here's something new, a spoof of the AMPTP website found at www.amptp.com vs. the actual Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers website at www.amptp.org.
Their satirical catchphase reads: "Our Thinking is Creative as Our Logo!"
Not to toot the horn of the Wahoo Gazette, but this is what I wrote 3 weeks ago about the AMPTP website:

"Writers are known to be creative. That's why they do what they do. How creative are the members of the AMPTP, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers? Check out how creative they have made their website. What are they working on, a 386?
(I really have no idea what that joke means, or if it makes any sense. I once used a "386 computer" reference as a joke years ago and it got a big laugh so I'm trying it again here.")

Picket Information - NYC
Thursday, December 13
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Viacom
44th and Broadway
Students and future members of the Writers Guild will join us to march with us, learn about the issues of our strike and show their support.

I was at the doctor's office the other day. In the waiting room I read a note tacked up on the wall. It read: "Routine referrals will be delivered in 3 days." But the "3 days" is crossed out and penciled in on the note is "7-10 days." A referral would now take 10 days when it once took only 3 days. This note on the wall was printed out on a piece of paper from a computer. As I wait to be examined by a high-priced medical doctor, I couldn't help but wonder why his office couldn't simply reprint the note on the wall with the correction made without a cross-out. Now whenever somebody looks at the note with the cross-out, they wonder why it now takes so long for a referral. Is there a problem with the office? Is the help not as adequate as it once was? If what once took 3 days now takes 7-10 days, it makes me think the doctor and his office isn't as good as it once was. Is the doctor overworked? Will he skimp on my examination? Will he be rushed? Will he give me the time I deserve? Will he miss something because of his overloaded workload? And what about his staff? Might I receive the wrong prescription? Be incorrectly billed? Will they screw up my insurance? And what about . . .
"McIntee, the doctor will see you now!"
How hard would it have been to simply print out a new sign without a cross-out?

Yesterday I touted New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick for pointing out NBC's missed shot of the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. The camera was elsewhere when the tree went from dark to lit. The one shot everyone was waiting for was missed. Since nothing can be taken for granted these days, the next "can't miss" shot is coming this Sunday in the New York Jets/New England Patriots 1 o'clock game. There is a whole lot of animosity between Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Jets coach Eric Mangini. A lot is not known what caused the feud, but an exciting chapter was written earlier this year when Mangini snitched on his former boss, Belichick, for Illegal filming and spying during their first meeting. The irate Patriots have gone hog-wild ever since outscoring their opponents by a wide margin and are on the verge of an undefeated season. The Jets, on the other hand, have been the Jets. The opening point spread had the Patriots favored by 27 points, an unheard of number. Not since Custer has there been such an underdog. So what is the most anticipated scene in this upcoming Jets/Patriots game? What is the shot that cannot be missed? It's the traditional post-game handshake between the coaches at midfield. It's a shot that SHOULD NOT be missed!

And as I wrote the above, this too sounded familiar to me. I dug up this old Wahoo Gazette from February 1, 1999 recapping the Super Bowl between the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons.
Yes, the Atlanta Falcons.

SUPER BOWL REVIEW:
"For two weeks, all we heard was the tension and ill-will between Bronco coach Shanahan and Falcon coach Reeves. The big question: How would they react to each other at the post-game handshake? I called it before it happened. I said we wouldn't see the handshake. And I was right. For some reason FOX missed the shot. Maybe the two never met after the game but if not, that should have been reported."

A 27-point favorite? The Patriots are a 27-point favorite? Are the experts nuts? Let me explain the point spread.
-If you bet $100 on a game with a bookie and win, you get $100. If you lose, you pay $100, plus a 10% vig, costing you $110.
-A bookie wants half the bets to go with the favorite and half to go with the underdog. This way, if a bookie accepts bets totaling $10,000 on the Patriots this week and $10,000 on the Jets, the losers will simply pay off the winners. It will cost the bookie nothing. BUT, the bookie will get that 10% vig from the losers, or $1000. -Obviously, everybody would bet on the Patriots this week, the much better team. So to even out the bets for the Patriots and the Jets, a point spread is created. Making the Patriots a 27-point favorite means that if you bet on the Patriots, in order for you to win the bet they must win by 27 points. If they only win by 22 points, those betting on the Jets would WIN the bet even though the Jets lost the game.
-Now what if the bookies create a 27-point spread like they did this week with the Patriots and the Jets, and everyone starts betting on the Jets? The bookies want the same amount to be bet on the Jets as they do on the Patriots. So the bookies need to make the Patriots a more attractive bet. In order to do this, they start to lower the point spread, which they did, lowering it from 27 to 24. Now the Patriots need to win by 24 for the bettor to win the bet instead of 27. This will start bringing in more bets for the Patriots. The spreads are continuously adjusted to create that even-betting-balance between the underdogs and the favorites, ensuring the bookies a positive 10% vigorish cash flow.
-The best bookie hates to gamble. He wants the sure thing, and with a balanced betting sheet, that's what he gets.
And that's all I know about the point spread.

Wednesday's Previously Viewed Program:
From June 08, 2005; #2376 - Russell Crowe and Paul Anka.

FAMOUS WAHOOS!
Wahoo Studios
-From their website at www.wahoo.com:

"Since 2001, Wahoo Studios has grown to become a top tier independent videogame developer creating titles on many different game consoles and the PC. Our talented programmers, artists and designers produce creative games that effectively blend innovation, humor and fun game play. Wahoo Studios has a great relationship with a variety of publishers and has worked on projects with many publishing partners."

Michael Z. McIntee - also known as "The Guy"
mikemack@aol.com

Here now is the Wahoo Gazette for Wednesday's previously viewed program. It is one of the best Wahoo's ever!

(Original Air Date: 6/8/05)

Russell Crowe; and Paul Anka.
PLUS: The Late Show Hose Cam; Rupert's new Slurpee machine; CBS Product Placement; Medicinal Marijuana; The Democratic Party - The Other White Meat; and a Top Ten list.

It's a hot one in New York City today and so what better time to turn on the Late Show Hose. We mounted a hose, a camera, and a loud speaker on a lamp post at the northeast corner of 53rd and Broadway. It's time to cool off.
Dave makes a few announcements to start things off:
"This is Mayor Bloomberg offering a complementary shower." Dave then activates the hose onto the unsuspecting pedestrians.
"It's right out of the Hudson."
After a few more squirts from the hose, Dave concludes with:
"Vote for me in November."

Yesterday we paid a visit to Rupert at the Hello Deli and we do so again today. What did Dave suggest to Rupert yesterday? Rupert says, "That I should get a Slurpee Machine." And did Rupert get a Slurpee machine? He sure did. Rupert proudly shows his brand new Slurpee machine. Dave is happy with the purchase, but wonders why Rupert has it hidden in the back. Those familiar with Rupert's Hello Deli realize the Slurpee machine has taken the place of Rupert's Hot Chocolate machine. Not a bad trade off for the hot summer months. We take a look at the Slurpee machine and Rupert presents the two available flavors: Cherry and Lemon-Lime. How many has Rupert sold today? None. He was saving the maiden Slurpee for Dave. Dave orders up a Cherry Slurpee. Does Paul want one? He sure does. He orders "that Lime thing." Rupert runs in the two orders to the hot and thirsty entertainers. Dave sips from the straw and exclaims, "Oh my God, that's Slurpilicious!" Paul proclaims it a "Summer Coolant." Uh oh. Dave must have drank his Cherry Slurpee too fast as he got himself one of those frozen skull freezes behind his eye. Dave takes another sip from the delicious and refreshing cold treat and suggests, "Maybe Rupert should make one for Russell Crowe and cool him down." The Slurpee Machine looks to be a great addition to the Hello Deli. It's sure to be a big seller all summer long.

This week, CBS announced that it will be doing a lot more product placement in its shows. The network promises to keep things subtle, but sharp-eyed viewers might be able to spot our newest sponsor.
Behind Dave in the skyline soon appears a box of Hot Pockets flying across the window. Subtle, but very effective. If you weren't tipped off, you probably wouldn't even consciously notice the Hot Pockets.

Dave asks if the audience is familiar with medicinal use of marijuana. The audience applauds its approval. Dave acknowledges the applause, citing them as "obviously glaucoma patients." Unfortunately, the Supreme Court ruled against the use of medicinal marijuana in a 6-3 decision. It seems the Court is still divided on the issue. We take a look at a recent announcement for some members of the Supreme Court.

"Just because 6 Narcs voted against smoking doobie, that doesn't mean all the Justices are trying to bogart your weed. Remember, 3 Justices are in favor of letting you suck those big ol' bowls. So if you're jonesing for a jive stick, swing by Sandy O'Connor's chamber . . . tomorrow at 9 AM for a little wake 'n' bake . . . before she has to hear a case on some crap about trade regulations. She'll be done by 420, if you know what I'm saying. The Supreme Court - Fire on the mountain."

Dave turns on the hose on Broadway for a bit more fun. Female pedestrians squeal with delight at the spray. Weeeeeee.

President Bush's approval rating is down significantly. The Democrats jumped all over it in their last commercial.

"America is losing confidence in President Bush. 58% of voters think his Iraq war was not justified. 55% disagree with his position on stem cell research. And an overwhelming 98% say the President failed to protect us from pictures of old guys in their underpants." (see photo of Saddam in his underpants.) "The Democratic Party - The Other White Meat."

During the last clip, Dave was busy ridding the theater of a pesty fly. He swatted the bugger and saved many from its disease-ridden grubby feet and . . . . and . . . I don't know . . . . thorax. Dave proudly shows off his kill.
Although it's a living thing, since it is not cute or cuddly, it's OK to kill a flea.

TOP TEN: WAYS GEORGE W. BUSH CAN REGAIN HIS POPULARITY.
#1. Jump on Oprah's couch while professing his love for Katie Holmes.

RUSSELL CROWE: Hey! He's wearing the same clothes he was arrested in. I like that. Dave recaps what he knows about or what he's read about the Russell Crowe incident with the phone, the hotel, and the police. Apparently after several unsuccessful attempts to make a phone call, Russell showed his frustration by throwing the phone at a hotel employee. Police were called. Russell was arrested. Russell responds very seriously and apologizes for his actions, regretting his behavior, and hopes to put all this behind him after he has paid his punishment.
Dave asks Russell if he has trouble controlling his temper. Russell responds, "I have . . . uhh . . . . yeah, I do." After 7 days at the hotel, renting out 9 rooms, and every one experience difficulty with the telephone system, Russell allowed his frustration to get the best of him. He again apologizes, and mentions the target of his frustration by name, directing his apology to him. It seemed to come from the heart.
Dave asks if there is a way he can avoid this the next time. Russell answers, "Yeah, go to the Ritz Carlton!" Russell adds his time in jail was an experience he doesn't want to repeat. Has Russell ever been arrested and locked up before? After some thought, Russell responds, "Not in the United States." Russell explains that he is still learning that when he gets angry, it's the Gladiator getting pissed off. He is still learning he isn't just any ordinary guy off the street. He's the Gladiator. The night of the incident, Russell was trying to get in touch with his wife back in Australia. With the time difference, there isn't much of a window where it is convenient to have a conversation, especially since his wife is back home with their 17 month old child. When he once again had difficulty with the phone, he reacted in anger. He wanted to let his wife know where he was, what he was doing, how his day was, and who he was with . . . or, better, who he was not with. Without making contact, he would have to wait another 20 hours for a convenient hour to call. Without the phone call, a wife could get suspicious and wonder where her husband is and who he is with. Dave suggests, "I think being in jail, in this instance, would actually put her mind at ease."

On the lighter side, Russell was at the Indianapolis 500 last week enjoying the great race. He remarked it was the cleanest racetrack he's ever seen. Ah, I like a man who notices such a thing. He just made a lot of people at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway happy, those who aren't noticed and certainly not appreciated enough. Nice going. He just scored some big points from me. (I'm sure that will thrill Mr. Crowe.) As Dave is leading to another point, Russell suddenly stops Dave and asks about the double-eraser pencil Dave is holding. An eraser on each end, no point. Dave explains that he's been known to throw pencils when annoyed. He feared he would accidentally plunge a pencil point into someone's skull, so he ordered up some special double-eraser pencils. I expected either Dave to offer Russell a dozen or for Russell to ask for a dozen, but none were exchanged.
Dave and Russell Crowe discuss the time of the film, "Cinderella Man," during the Great Depression. Times were incredibly hard. Dave says today we whine when the cable goes out. Back then, there was literally no food to be put on the table. The harsh circumstances of the time made people better and tougher. We see a clip from the film, which is now playing in theaters. "Cinderella Man" is certainly on my list of movies to see . . . . if I ever went to see movies. In addition to the film, Russell Crowe also has a CD of his music. I think it's only available on iTunes. I have no idea what that means.

ACT 5: On the window of the Hello Deli, a sign reads, "NOW SERVING SLURPEES."

PAUL ANKA: From his new CD, "Rock Swings," Paul Anka performed Nirvanas "Smells Like Teen Spirit."

And that was our show for Wednesday, June 8, 2005.



After the show, there was a line of 12 waiting to get inside the Hello Deli. Mmmmm, Slurpees.

More than one person on the staff raved about the Paul Anka / Howard Stern interview from Wednesday morning on Howard's show. Very entertaining. There is definitely a book in Paul Anka's future.
When I took a look at the Paul Anka "Rock Swings" CD Tuesday morning, I didn't have high hopes for it. It didn't make sense to me. Rock and Roll songs of the 80s and 90s interpreted in a Big Band style. But I listened to some of it on Howard's show this morning and then again later in the day and I'm more than a bit surprised to say I liked it. I found "Rock Swings' to be a fun CD. I know, I know. I'm surprised too. I like Paul Anka, but I didn't expect this to work.

When did the local TV weather report turn into Romper Room? I'm half asleep on the couch last night watching the news. The weather guy comes on and starts giving the high temperatures of the day in the New York area while standing in front of his weather map, reeling off the names of about 10 towns. He goes, "It was 86 in Nyack. Spring Valley reached 87. Mahwah at 86. Bergen had a temperature of 86. Rye, New York reported in with a temperature of 85. Great Neck, 86. Oyster Bay, 84. Smithtown, 85." And on and on and on. I opened my eyes half expecting to see Miss Louise holding a hand mirror and saying "And I see Michael, and I see Nancy. Oh, and there's Walter and Jay. And hello to Barbara. And I see Jill, and Susan, and Mary . . ." My guess is the weather guy grew up watching Romper Room and always stayed to the end to see if Miss Louise said his name. All the kids did this back then. Now he's doing the same by naming a bunch of local towns, hoping viewers will stay tuned to see if he says their town's name.
So is the weather guy a Romper Room fan? I don't know, but if he starts doing "Do Bee and Don't Bee" tonight, I'll know for sure.

"I always do everything right.
I never do anything wrong.
I'm a Romper Room Do Bee
A Do Bee all day long!"

It's a shame the Michael Jackson trial is almost over. It would have been the perfect summer television entertainment.

BASEBALL CHATTER: It's boring. Skip it if you want. I heard something on the radio last night and I want it down on paper in case I'm proven right.
I'm listening to the Yankee game Wednesday night on the radio. Yankees are up, winning 6-2, bases loaded, no outs. Tino Martinez hits into a double play. A run scores. Yankee announcer John Sterling says Tino is satisfied with that. I scream at the radio, yelling there is no way Tino is satisfied with grounding into a double play with no outs and the bases loaded. Sterling says he will explain why Tino is satisfied, adding that any player would be happy with the result in that situation. Unfortunately, Sterling never gets around to explaining himself.
Jump ahead to the next half inning. A Milwaukee Brewer batter checks his swing. Did he go around? The first base umpire says he held up. First baseman Tino Martinez is livid. He gives the first base ump his opinion and is eventually thrown out of the game. Tino is hotter than heck over the call. I' listening to the radio so I can't see what's happening, but I immediately think that Tino is still steaming over grounding into the double play with the bases loaded the half inning before. He's still carrying it with him when he takes the field. I don't think he was at all "satisfied" with the results of his at-bat. I would love to know John Sterling's reasoning. I hope to find out in Thursday morning's newspaper.

Thanks for listening. The above was just for me.

THIS DATE IN NHL HOCKEY HISTORY
June 8, 1988 - Mario Lemieux wins the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer and Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP, thus becoming the first Pittsburgh Penguin to win either award.
June 8, 2005 - Boston Bruin great Cam Neely is elected into the NHL Hall of Fame.