Thursday, April 30, 2009

Southern California Swine FLU MAPS: LATEST REPORTED CASES ARE HERE!


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I have put up the latest CALIFORNIA SWINE FLU CASE MAP...HERE on my Blog for your information.

Please CHECK this MAP often.

Here are some of the telling symptoms of "Swine Flu:"

Symptoms must include a fever above 100°F or 37.8°C and one or more signs or symptoms including: head and body aches, cough, sore throat, chills, trouble breathing, and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
People who experience a fever of 100°F and one or more symptoms should call their doctor or clinic. Plan to provide the following information: types of symptoms you are experiencing; recent travel to Mexico; contact with someone who may have influenza.
So, I cannot WAIT to see all of the OUTRAGOUS/Pimped OUT Masks that are going to be appearing over the next few weeks, and months.  Here are a couple of wild "Swine Flu Masks" I ran across this early A.M.
You got a crazy "Swine Flu Mask?"  Here is one mask that is available for sale at a local Chinese/Korean Supermarket here in Cerritos, California.
Send me pic of  it to  RREconomy@aol.com .
Randy Economy

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

VIDEO CLIP OF WEEK: NASCAR'S CARL EDWARDS GETS AIR LIFTED at Talladega Raceway.


On Sunday afternoon, my mom Rosemary and I watched this HORRIFIC crash as it HAPPENED..(on NASCAR on Fox) .... and it left both of us totally SPEECHLESS.

This HAS to be the craziest and most horrific NASCAR Finish Ever!

Brad Keselowski gets his first NASCAR Sprint Cup win in NASCAR as Carl Edwards comes down onto Brad Keselowski path.  Carl then gets sideways and airborne then he was smashed into by Ryan Newman,  flips over and hits and destroys the fence.

Seven fans sustained minor injuries in the incident, and Dr. Bobby Lewis said a woman was airlifted to a hospital with facial injuries and a possible broken jaw. Lewis said the other six fans sustained bumps, bruises and possibly "a couple of minor fractures" to their extremities.
It is a miracle that NO ONE died.


Carl Edwards bad crash 2009 Talladega.

(Seen) Brad Keselowski pushed Carl Edwards to the front in the final four laps, then dove inside for the victory as Edwards spun trying to block and was flipped. God was looking out for Carl Edwards on Sunday.

Randy Economy

Monday, April 27, 2009

LETTERS: No on ALL the UPCOMING PROPOSITIONS from Cerritos community leader Allen Wood

This is ANOTHER GREAT comment about my take on the upcoming Prop Election here in California on May 19th.  

This is from Allen Wood, Past President of the Cerritos Chamber of Commerce, and former GOP Nominee for California State Senate in 2008.   Thanks, Allen!   R


Hey Randy,

Great article in LCCN. I Agree with all but the last. It sounds good and will send a message to the legis. to get the budgets passed. Problem is, it is not enforceable -- the legisators themselves has the last word and can vote themselves whatever they want, regardless what the commission says. Also there is no mention of the $170 per diem. They can increase this to whatever they want whenever they want.

The real insidious and damaging point is that it wil put incredible pressure on the "holdouts" in future years to raise taxes and will make it easier to get the 50% to pass a budget provision passed; which is their real agenda.

Thanks,
Allen Wood
Cerritos

You got an opinion?  Drop me a NOTE to RREconomy@aol.com.

Randy

Sunday, April 26, 2009

LETTERS: Prop 1D Deserves a "YES" Vote

Dear Randy:
This is in response to your "opinion" and Recommendation to Voters to Vote NO on Prop. 1D in the upcoming California Special Election.


 
Prop 1D does NOT ask you to pay ANY new taxes.

First 5’s have over $2 BILLION in reserve they can use over the next 5 years while they help the rest of California. It's a total misstatement to say that those monies are already committed to certain programs because with one vote their commissions can re-direct those reserves to whatever they choose to. So, who's to be trusted?

Well, IMO, it's not First 5. They are run by Commissioners who vote for budgets that direct cash to their OWN departments and organizations. There are now wild exaggerations about how 1D could affect people: just not so – reserves will be used. Perhaps such claims are why Prop 1D puts an auditor on the Commission to oversee their actions.

If that does not bother you then this should: the First 5 lobbyist has received over $1 MILLION of First 5 funds & about $200K of that went straight to her pension plan - IRS Form 990s say so! Prop 1D stops her from taking any new First 5 funds!

Here is something to chew on about First 5 (Prop 1D):

Although some expenditure for evaluating programs is required by the First 5 statute, over the last 7 or so years, audited financial statements reveal that First 5 commissions have spent approximately $100 MILLION on evaluation. How can it cost that much?

Well, First 5 evaluation payments go mainly to private consulting firms like Harder and Company, not to children 0 to 5!

An audited financial statements and adding a standard 3% for inflation, an analysis shows that in 10 years, they are on course to spend over $300 MILLION on evaluation.

In 15 years, it will top $500 MILLION. In 25 years: $1 BILLION dollars+.

First 5 Commissioners are misspending funds: Proposition 10 was not meant to make the evaluators RICH!

Let's put some of the money back towards helping kids and get ourselves out of this budget mess – VOTE YES on 1D!

First 5 funds are supposed to be used for children 0 to 5, not to pay for a lobbyist of ANY KIND! IMO, there needs to be an investigation into whether or not laws were broken by the First 5 Counties when paying dues and providing other revenues to a lobbying group.

Sherry Novick received over 40% of the total revenues of First 5 Association from 2004 - 2007. And guess who is on that Board of Directors of the First 5 Association: ALL OF THEM ARE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS of county First 5's. All of them approved her paycheck and benefits. All of them are legally liable for doing so.

First 5 says they are uniquely successful – well, show us the beef!

Why is not First 5 claiming successful programs outcomes? Where’s the data?

Here’s some: In Riverside County, they spent about $1130 per child served, not $185 per client that’s suggested by the Riverside First 5 07/08 evaluation report. IMO, that’s playing with the numbers.

Here’s some more: In Contra Costa, in FY 04/05, published evaluation reports show that it cost nearly $14,000 for each ONE hour class in the Family Centers. It dropped to $3,600 in 06/07, but by God, by what measure is that "successful"? It’s not - THAT IS WASTE!

And… unlike what some will have you think, First 5 has $2 BILLION+ because it took 2 years+ for most of them to do their strategic plan and so they were not allowed to spend the funds coming in until they did. It was NOT due to good planning, it was a FLUKE!

Please do not believe the malarky. Children will not die. Children will not be abused more often should Prop 1D pass. They have billions to ensure that won’t happen.

VOTE YES on 1D!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

HATS OFF to Artesia, California! FIRST LADIES are HONORED today with a SPECIAL TEA!


This is the 50th Anniversary of the City of Artesia, and today more than 150 community leaders honored those who have served the community in such a very very special way as "First Lady."

Check back later, I will try MY best to get ALL of the NAMES of EVERYONE who attended today's event.

In the meantime, ENJOY these WONDERFUL photos. The HATS are AMAZING! Artesia, California is my type of hometown. The people are the backbone here and together they really are ONE BIG FAMILY!

Randy Economy Photos

THE SOLOIST: My HOT Flick Pick of the WEEKEND...I hope!

 
3 Weekend Picks:
The Soloist. Artesia Historical Society Tea Honoring the "First" Gals. Cerritos Spring Fest.

I cannot WAIT to catch "The Soloist" this weekend.

I hate building up a movie in "my mind" before I ACTUALLY get to SEE it, but this film is a story that many of us here in LA have been "watching" in the Los Angeles Times for quite some time.  Does it live up to the "real story?"


Los Angeles TIMES columnist Steve Lopez (played by one of my ALL TIME favorite actors, Robert Downey, Jr., ) has reached an impasse in his life. His marriage is on the rocks, and he's disillusioned with his job.

Then, while wandering through L.A.'s Skid Row, he spots a homeless man (Jamie Foxx) playing a two-stringed violin with a virtuoso's skill. Lopez initially thinks of the man, named Nathaniel Ayers, as just a story idea. But as he begins to unravel the mystery of Ayers' strange fate, Lopez realizes that a change is happening within himself.

I have loved reading Steve Lopez columns about his experience with Nathaniel Ayers over the past couple of years in the LA Times.  This really is an "LA Story."

ARTESIA TEA/SPRING FEST in CERRITOS
This weekend, after I get done visiting the "First Ladies of Artesia" on Saturday at a special "Tea" at the Albert O. Little Community Center (sponsored by the Artesia Historical Society), and after I take a spin around the "Cerritos Spring Festival" over at Cerritos Regional County Park, I am heading over to catch "The Soloist" on the BIG SCREEN at Edwards Cinema at the Cerritos Towne Center!
See you AROUND town....
Randy Economy

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

RAVE REVIEW: STEAM CITY GRILL DOES it AGAIN!! AMAZING PRIME STEAK SANDWHICH is In the HOOD!!

RANDY ECONOMY
BLOG REVIEW!

The Boys over at Steam City Grill on 166th and Norwalk Boulevard have done it again!

They have rolled out a new, super amazing, melt in your mouth, PRIME STEAK Sandwich that is literally to die for! Okay. Not literally, but you get my point.

OMG.

This MONSTER of a 'Which will melt in your mouth, and is totally worth checking out. It is big enough for TWO people to split, and the PRICE is RIGHT at $6.49! It comes on a fresh French Roll, sliced thin, with sweet tender grilled onions and sliced mushrooms topped with Swiss cheese and two crisp tart pickle slices!

Also new on the Steam City Grill Menu are a tasty assortment of "Wraps" (all served in a fresh flour tortilla), Wraps include "The Greek: with chicken, super fresh greens, feta cheese, tomato, cucumber and a tart Greek dressing,

Other WRAPS include "The Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap," " The Club" and "The Veggie Wrap."


I love ALL of the WRAPS...tried each of them, and my fav is by far....The Greek Wrap.

Also new on the bill of fare is a HUGE Pastrami Sandwich, a Grilled Chicken Breast Supreme (with Swiss cheese, bacon, on a whole wheat bun....yummmm), and a Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Also check out a new tasty Chicken Breast Plate ($7.99) or Crispy Chicken Strips ($6.49)

(left) Here is the latest Menu from Steam City Grill, and OF course....never pass up the .69 cent "Steamie Hot Dogs" and my ULTIMATE pick....The Pork/Chicken Souvlaki, and Gyro Pita!

Steam City Grill is located at corner of 166th Street and Norwalk Boulvard on the boarder of Cerritos, Artesia and Norwalk!

Tell Johnny, and the BOYS that the PIRATE sent you!

RANDY ECONOMY BLOG REVIEW

Monday, April 20, 2009

VIDEO CLIP OF WEEK: Shaheen Jafargholi,12 , Brits Got Talent 2009, blows crowd, and Simon away! WOW!



I have to share the latest "Brits Got Talent" drama going on across the Pond. Trust me. Sometimes "talented" kids can really drive me batty. But after watching this performance...I have changed my mind.

A 12-year-old boy last night stormed into the semi-final of Britains Got Talent has revealed he almost didnt take part in the show.

Shaheen Jafargholi
, whose singing gave judge Amanda Holden goosebumps, had to persuade his mother he was not too young to go on the show.

The singer from Swansea was banned from auditioning for last years show at the age of ten by his mother Karen. But she relented for this series after he had shown his maturity by starring as a young Michael Jackson in the stage musical Thriller Live.

Shaheen did a six-week run with the show in Wales and went to Germany, Holland and Ireland on tour. It was his version of Jacksons "Whos Lovin You" from the show that had the audience and judges in raptures.

He had needed a second chance after Simon Cowell stopped him halfway through his performance of Amy Winehouse's Valerie.
Cowell told him: You got this really wrong. What do you sing apart from that?

After he sang the Michael Jackson song, Cowell told him: This is how one song could change your life. This may be the start of something special for you, young man.

What an amazing talent! Watch out Susan Boyle, this kid could steal your thunder.
Randy Economy

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Dario Franchitti WINS 35th Long Beach Grand Prix by 4 seconds over Will Power

Dario Franchitti captured the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach IndyCar race this afternoon.

Franchitti scored his ninth career IndyCar win by 4-plus seconds over Will Power, with Tony Kanaan third.

Unofficially, Danica Patrick was 4th and Dan Wheldon 5th. Marco Andretti was 6th, with Helio Castroneves, in his first race of the season, 7th. Raphael Matos, Robert Doornbos and Alex Tagliani rounded out the top ten.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

LBGP '09: Hot Drivers. Hot Drifters. IT'S 95 Degrees HOT in LONG BEACH!


I wanted to post some more pics of the CARS and the STAR DRIVERS who make these puppies fly down Shoreline Drive in Long Beach with the greatest of ease.

BTW...Do you have ANY clue how hard it is to get the "perfect photo" of a car coming by you at 160 miles per hour...barely able to see...with just a half of one eye? Nearly impossible. My Goodness, the things I do in the name of "good blogging" sometimes is beyond my belief. LOL.

If you've NEVER been to a Long Beach Grand Prix, you don't have a CLUE what you are MISSING.

Everyone needs to experience this amazing mega-event at least ONCE in your life! I have been blessed to have seen this amazing event at least 25 times since it all started 35 (gulp) years ago.

Above Photos include the following AMAZING drivers....
Will Power (3), Dan Weldon (4), Scott Dixon (9), E.J. Viso (13), Justin Wilson (19), Ed Carpenter (20), Marco Andretti (26), Hideki Mutoh (27), Stanton Barrett (98).

I also wanted to share this vid clip of "Drift Racing" during this weekends LBGP. If your a really bad driver, you need to watch these folks keep total control of their "rides" under amazing pressure.

Randy Economy Photos

35th Long Beach Grand Prix ROARS into TOWN!!

LONG BEACH Rrroaaaaarrrsss!

I had a blast yesterday at the Long Beach Grand Prix with my brother Rick, nephew Aaron, neice Allison and her bf Ryan Teague; and with Brooke Daly, and my adopted brother Martin Garnier (all "scene" here).
We had breakfast sitting next to driver Marco Andretti at the Hyatt Hotel and loved "people watching" all day long.  He was eatting pancakes, in case you are wondering what drivers eat for breakfast....
Here is a look behind the scene at the Long Beach Grand Prix. 
What an amazing event.  Thanks Long Beach for another spectacular day in the sun.
Randy Economy

Friday, April 17, 2009

Helio Castroneves runs from Court Room to Long Beach Grand Prix in a stunning, remarkable way! W2G Helio!

Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who more recently achieved fame with his win on 'Dancing With the Stars,' was acquitted today, Friday, April 17 of tax evasion, but the jury was hung on a related conspiracy charge.

He was originally charged for failing to report $5 million in income to the IRS.

His lawyer said that he never actually received the money from a deal with Penske Racing, and therefore legitimately did not owe taxes on it.

So, the bottom line is that HELIO is flying from Miami and will arrive in Long Beach, California tonight to attempt to qualify for Sunday's 35th Annual Grand Prix of Long Beach.

I was in Long Beach ALL day on FRIDAY, and the news about Helio has fans here totally BUZZED!

This is EXACTLY what LONG BEACH needs this weekend!  What an amazing turn of events.   Helio's star needs to be shining bright here this weekend.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

LISTEN TO "LOST" SUSAN BOYLE SONG: 1999 version of "Cry Me A River" proves SHE ROCKS!


This proves it. Susan Boyle is no fluke. She is the REAL DEAL, and tonight "a lost song" she sang in 1999 is starting to make it's way around the Internet.

A reader of my Blog in Great Britain sent me this post tonight....and it is an incredible FIND...to say the least!!

THE Daily Record has uncovered the only CD ever made by Scotland’s singing sensation Susan Boyle.

It emerged last night that Susan, whose Britain’s Got Talent triumph has made her an instant superstar, is being lined up for an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show which would give her the chance of a number one album in the US.

But the Record can reveal she made her first recording back in 1999, when she sang blues ballad Cry Me A River for a charity CD.

Only 1000 copies of the disc were ever produced, but we’ve got hold of the long-forgotten recording and it’s now on our site. A showbiz insider said: “This is a real coup for the Record. The whole world would have wanted to find this. “People will be scrambling to get their hands on this CD. They will be like gold dust soon.”

Susan, 48, of Blackburn, West Lothian, has gone from obscurity to worldwide fame in less than a week after her amazing Britain’s Got Talent debut.

So far, her performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables has attracted more than 16 MILLION hits on YouTube. And yesterday, she was doing the rounds of America’s top morning TV chat shows.

I love this amazing rags to riches story, In these tough times, this is one "escape" we all need in our lives. This performance of "Cry Me A River" makes all of us wanting more, more, more!

Randy Economy

PASSING: West Hollywood, California Councilman Sal Guarriello, 90. One of America's Oldest (and BEST) Elected Officials!

I was sad to see that my ol' pal Sal Guarriello has passed away, at the age of 90.

Sal died peacefully this morning surrounded by family and friends at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Council member Guarriello served on the West Hollywood City Council for 19 years. He was elected to the West Hollywood City Council in April 1990. He served as Mayor of West Hollywood for three terms. He was one of the oldest elected officials in the United States.

"On behalf of the City Council, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague. Sal was truly an American original. He was plain spoken, principled and a relentless fighter for the issues and causes he held dear," said West Hollywood Mayor Jeff Prang.

His life was defined by service to his country.

From being a wounded veteran of World War II to his lengthy service on the City Council championing the needs of Seniors and those most in need. His mark on this City is indelible and his absence will be felt for years to come," Prang continued.

Council member Guarriello served as an army combat medic in WWII from 1943 through 1946. He believed in honoring those who have served in America's armed forces. He and his late wife Rita moved to West Hollywood in 1964. Councilmember Guarriello worked for Farmers Insurance Company as an independent agent until he retired in December 1986. His interest in issues affecting residents in West Hollywood had been growing for several years before he retired. In 1983, he joined the Coalition for Economic Survival (CES), the leading renters' rights organization. He later joined CES' Steering Committee in 1986.

In 1986, Councilmember Guarriello became a member of the Board of Directors of the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC), a non-profit corporation which rehabilitates run-down housing and builds new apartment buildings to increase the supply of affordable housing in West Hollywood.

Sal was never afraid to tell you what he was thinking, and today, many are saddened by his passing. I loved talking to him at Pavilion's Supermarket back "in the day." I recall having a great "political debate" in the Produce Section at Pavilions with Sal and then California State Controller Gray Davis on a Sunday afternoon one Summer afternoon, over (of all things) overnight parking permits.

He was INDEPENDENT MINDED and TOLD the TRUTH and kept getting reelected by one of the most liberal/progressive cities in America.

RIP Sal!

Cerritos "Iconic" Million Dollar Dome Rises Today


"Iconic" Cerritos Dome hoisted into place...


Today, members of Ironworkers Union #433 placed the giant "art deco" dome high atop a new building that is being constructed at the Cerritos Towne Center.

The Dome is part of the Cerritos Public Arts Program, and when completed, this building will become a "landmark" for literally millions of people who commute on the nearby 91 Freeway.
It was interesting to watch those dedicated Men and Women of Ironworkers Union #433 complete the construction of the Dome today.

It takes a lot of courage to do what they do, and my "hard hat" is off to anyone who can be that high off the groud and who is so focused on the task in front of them.

Get over to the Towne Center in Cerritos and check out this Million Dollar Dome.
Some may question the "value" of the Dome in these hard economic times.
I don't know how much is "too" much for "public art" these days, but it is impressive to watch how this building is being pieced together.
Randy Economy Photos

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Million Dollar "Dome" Gets Ready for Cerritos Towne Center Debut

The City of Cerritos is about to get it's $1,000,000.00 "Dome"
foisted on top a new building over at the Cerritos Towne Center.

The Dome costs a pretty penny in these hard economic times, and will be considered part of the City's Public Art Program.

Do you think this is a good use of public funds, or should we "Dump the Dome" for something less "gawdy?"

Drop me a note to RREconomy@aol.com

Randy Economy Photos
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Monday, April 13, 2009

UNLIKELY STAR: 47-Year-Old Susan Boyle Stuns Simon Cowell Into Silence on ‘Brits Got Talent’



This is an amazing story currently going on across the Pond, and after you watch this clip, you will know what I'am so darn excited about.

Susan Boyle, a Member of her Churches singing group, appeared on "Brits Got Talent," and her performance literally tore the house down this past weekend.

Her amazing take on "I Dreamed A Dream" is something you want to watch over and over and over again.

You can NEVER judge a Book By It's Cover, and this sensational performance makes me so darn happy today. Susan Boyle doesn't look anything like a singing star, and I hope that she wins this competition to prove that looks don't matter, especially when you have a God Given TALENT that she possesses.
Check it out....and remember, we all have an "inner Susan Boyle" deep inside of us.
Randy Economy

Saturday, April 11, 2009

An Angel Forever: The Passing of Pitcher Nick Adenhart

Passing:
NICK ADENHART
1986-2009



I never knew Angel Pitcher Nick Adenhart, who passed from this Earth all too soon this past week. The Story of Nick Adenhart is one that Legends are made. He lost his life only a few miles from where I live, off of Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street, right on the Anaheim/Fullerton Border. His death was a horrific lesson about the "crime" of driving under the influence of drugs and booze. We need to all pause and think about the harm these crimes cause on our community. I know his life and passing will not go in vain. Let's all keep him in our Prayers this Easter Weekend.
Right before the crash that took his life, he threw 6 shutout innings in only his fourth major league start, striking out 5 batters; Adenhart got a no-decision in his team's 4-6 loss to the Oakland A's. He was only 22 years old. RIP.
Randy Economy

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Have a GREAT Friday and a Blessed Easter! Reflect on the Power and Meaning of This Holy Season!!



(Above: Chrism Mass at Our Lady of The Angels Celebrated by Roger Cardinal Mahony.   Randy Economy Photos)

I want to wish all of you a Great Good Friday, and a Blessed Easter this coming Sunday.  This is the most Holy time of the year, and I am keeping each of you in my Heart and Prayers during this Season of Renewal.

I went to an amazing Mass tonight at St. Linus Catholic Church in Norwalk that was Celebrated by Bishop Alexander Salazar of the Los Angeles Archdioces (oictured here).   I had a chance to greet Bishop Salazar tonight at St. Linus before the start of the Mass.

I love My Catholic Faith. As you may, or may not know, I was Baptised, Confirmed and Given the Rite of Holy Communion on October 21, 2007 at St. Linus Church. We have the BEST PRIESTS in AMERICA at St. Linus in Father Tony Gomez (see below) and our Associate Priest Rev. Huy Nguyen.

My life has totally changed since that Blessed day in the Fall of 2007. Today I understand what the "Power of Prayer" can bring to one's life.


This week is very humbling and very special to billions of Christians all over the world.  I look forward to Good Friday Mass tomorrow beginning at Noon at St. Linus.

Anyway, take a moment and reflect on the Power of this Holy weekend, regardless of your Faith.

Peace to all of you.

Randy Economy

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

How 'bout them Detroit Tigers? Huh? My Vid Clip of the Day Celebrates Opening Day 2009!



I got a note today from one of my readers in Detroit, Michigan.

"Hey, Randy, how about showing some love for our Baseball Tigers. This is going to be THE BEST year EVER for US here in Detroit."
Mark in Detroit

Okay, Mark.

Here is this vintage clip about the rich history of YOUR Baseball Tigers.

Ah yes.

The Detroit Tigers.

Those Wacky Cats of Lake Erie.

Ty Cobb, The Georgia Peach. The Goose. George Kell. Al Kaline. Charley Maxwell. Detroit is Baseball USA.

It's Motor City's Team. Northrup. Tradition. Sparky Anderson. Kurt Gibson. Alan Trammell. "Sweet" Lou Whitaker. Ahh. Tiger Baseball. Mo Town!

Today was Opening Day 2009 here in America and Baseball will Reign Supreme for the next 6 months.

I bleed Dodger Blue, but want to accomodate the wishes of my readers, especially those in the hard hit area of Detroit.

So, to them Tiger Fans, this one is for you!

Go Angels!

Go Dodgers!


Randy Economy

(Thanks to the amazing Terry Cashman for the vid clip!)

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Blockbusters Game Show: LOST EPISODES FOUND on YOU TUBE...featuring me! What a Riot! CHECK these CLIPS OUT!

I love game shows, and this week I am getting the opportunity to turn back the clock, and to see me the was I was (and in High Definition) back in 1987.

Four episodes in which I appeared on "Blockbusters" have been FOUND on YOU TUBE, and have also been airing these past couple of weeks on Game Show Network. BTW, I was the FIRST Director of Affiliate Sales hired at GSN back when the net' was created by my old bosses Merv Griffin, Micheal Fleming and everyone at Sony Television in Culver City, Ca.

Anyway, the shows that I appeared on GSN are PRICELESS to watch. Gosh, I was really cute back then. As a matter of fact, High Definition is my new best friend.


I got an email on my Face Book page from someone in Florida who asked me if I was "THE RANDY ECONOMY" who once appeared on "Blockbusters."

You must be kidding me?

Of course I was that "Randy Economy," and the next thing you know, these four episodes are appearing on You Tube.

I had a copy of these old episodes on worn out/tattered VHS tapes. They went up in flames when we suffered our garage/house fire in June, 2008, so those "Blockbuster" moments were only a slight part of my memory bank.

Today, I am thrill to look at these clips have been preserved, and located!

I loved going through the audition of being on "Blockbusters." Literally thousands of people tried-out to make it on the show. I had 4 "call backs" with NBC producers, and they really put you through the "ringer."

The Contestant Coordinator was Joyce Weiss Stevens, a legend in Hollywood game show history.

She told me that I was "a natural" in front of the camera, and that I really knew a lot of "stuff" about off beat topics. I loved Joyce. What a great gal!

I was lucky to get picked, and made the most of my "moment in the spotlight." More than 500 people were in the audience, and we taped 5 shows each weekend day.

Blockbusters was a great game show. You really had to think hard about many different subjects.

Anyway, watch these episodes, and share them with your friends and family.


Blockbusters was hosted by Bill Rafferty, and was only on NBC in 1987 and was replaced by "Classic Concentration" in 1988.

I was 27 years old, and was just beginning my career as a political consultant, was living in Norwalk at the time, and had just finished running Grace Napolitiano's first campaign for the Norwalk City Council.

Grace is now a Member of Congress, and I'm still stunned over the fact that I didn't know who wrote "Little Women." The correct answer is...Louisa May Alcott. Duh.