The (TV) Show Must Go On...

Thursday, February 09, 2006

'Survivor' - East Coast Airing Update - Immunity

La Mina won Immunity

East Coast 'Survivor' Update

Schoolyard pick. Survivors split into two tribes:
Casia (spelling?) -- Danielle, Shane, Courtney, Aras, Cirie, Bobby and Melinda
La Mina -- Terry, Sally, Austin, Misty, Nick, Ruth Marie and Dan

Odd man out not picked -- Bruce.
He's sent to Exile Island for three days. Immune at the next Tribal Council. At TC, he'll go and sit in, then replace whoever is voted out

Rewards Challenge -- for fishing gear, raft and 4 paddles
La Mina won

Tonight's (02-09) 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' Blogging Schedule

Once again, as important events on the show occur (deaths, who goes to Exile Island, any Idol finding, reward challenge, immunity challenge and the boot)... I'll be slapping up quick details here. If you're on the West Coast and like East Coast airing show night spoilers, this is the place for you.

Within moments after the entry here, entry links will be added to my Jackie's Survivor Blog/Web Links Reference

There isn't an immediate way to get notice of an entry, but you can check here or there during the time the show airs in the east. A hint -- sometimes the new entries don't show immediately on the main blog page, but if you hit the February archive in the sidebar, it will show.

Much later this evening, I'll be posting a full recap and would love to know your thoughts about the show!

Survivor fans ready?

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 9, 2006

Bits! Bits! Here's your television and entertainment related newsy bits for the day!

What? Sly Actually Showed Up?

I can't believe it. I taped the Grammy Awards show and haven't watched it all yet. Well, chances are that I'll fast forward through most of it so I can just watch the performances and/or performers I enjoy.

But when I saw the blurbs on the news about Sly (of Sly and the Family Stone) showing up, I had to go to the tape. Sure enough, there he was... looking like George Clinton designed his wardrobe and Mr. T did his hair. Yikes!

You have to understand, I was a child of the sixties. Sly burnt me when I was fourteen years old! Yes, he did! Don't get me wrong; I love his music. It's because I love his music that I got burnt.

Here's what happened:
I had saved my babysitting money and my brother (a year older) had some cash from wherever he got cash those days. We talked our mother into driving us about ten miles away to Albany -- Sly and the Family Stone were to play at the old Palace Theater there. The show was to start at 7:30, the neighborhood was a bit hinky. We got there at 7, bought our tickets and went in when they opened the doors at 7:15 PM. 8 PM came, nothing. 9 PM, nothing. The odor of marijuana wafted through the air and we made friends with the two aisles of folks around us. We invented a game where we'd tap out songs on the seat backs and guess what song. 10 PM, nothing. About every hour a man would get on the stage announcing the show was delayed, they were waiting for Sly to arrive.

Then midnight came. A priest, a Catholic priest, got on the stage and announced that Sly "got into an altercation on Central Avenue and will not be appearing tonight." He was surrounded by Albany police. We were to exit immediately and orderly. We had no choice. The Albany Police were there full force in riot gear with the plastic shields and all. Dang. What did they think we'd do? We'd been stuck in a theater full of marijuana smoke for five hours. We could be violent nappers, I guess.

I never got my money back.

Sly burnt me.

And left me stuck in a bad neighborhood past midnight on a school night.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Blogging 'American Idol' - Welcome to Hollywood

*These blog notes are typed as I watch the show and put up immediately following the east coast airing of 'American Idol.' Please ignore or, at the very least, forgive me for any typos, punctuation or otherwise errors. Thank you!

175 of the nation's top singers? Heh. I bet a lot of the real top singers never auditioned!
We open with Ryan explaining how the contestants chose one song from a list of 12. They'll have background singers and music. I see a lot of folks they never showed on the auditions.

Kellie Pickler, with the sob story about father in jail (blah, blah, blah), is being featured. She sings pretty well, but not perfect. Simon mentions her nerves. Kellie, a Hannah and some un-named girls make it to the next round.

Patrick Hall sounds good to me! Let's see if he makes it. The judges look happy. Randy wants him to work on his look. Simon says, "You're not Clay Aiken, but you're likable." He made the cut. Good. I think his voice is excellent. I personally don't find his image offputting at all.

Now they touring Hollywood, checking out the Hollywood Bowl.

Ronnie Norman, the Ego Waiter and the soldier guy who wooed Paula are going to be featured. Ohhh... I think Ronnie sounds hoarse. Neither made it. They don't take it well. Ronnie cries. Oh, well.

Lisa Tucker from the Denver auditions is on. I think decent. Onto the next round. Lots of Hopelessly Devoted contestants. "Some are more hopelessly devoted than others." -- from Ryan Seacrest. A cowboy sings it to Paula and makes the cut. He was good. Not sure American Idol with the way the audience votes good, but good.

Now the tour group is in downtown Hollywood.

Ashley Guademuz
Kymyata
Linella? -- all bad

Randy gives the contestants a pep talk.

Paris Bennet - excellent! Made it, naturally.

Now they're showing the trip to the beach in Santa Monica.

Taylor Hicks, the grey haired guy, is singing. I like his voice, but he is reminding me a bit of Joe Cocker. Simon says he's interesting. He made the cut!

Garet Johnson, the naive cowboy is being featured. Such a sweet innocent kid... seeing the ocean for the first time.

Into a bunch of turn downs with no names. Lots of tears.
Now the happy ones. End of Day 1, 40 made it through to the next round.

Whoa, despite the news releases, it looks like the Brittenum twins are indeed in Hollywood! I wonder what's going on with that!

Day Two - The ones who auditioned yesterday tour today and vice versa. Melissa Lucas is in Megan Zieger's segment as Megan has a sore throat and is worried. Yes, she's off key and hoarse. She can indeed sing... she tries again. She really tries. She's onto the next round.

Then excuses started. The tour group wants to know why Randy and Paula have a star on the Walk of Fame, but no Simon.

The Brittenum twins segment. They must go solo. Derrell is up. Simon doesn't think he's looking at the winner. Now Terrell. Could it be the other way around? They're identical twins with rhyming names. Ain't my fault. Hmmm... I like these two together, but singly I'm not thrilled. Paula mentions over the top. Both made it, so the news lies. Now they're dissing Carrie Underwood.

The promos keep showing Crazy Dave. If he makes the cut, I think I may have to go sit in my closet and sob.

(Sidenote, U2 is performing on the Grammy Awards now as AI is in commercial. Argh. I'm taping it.)

Gina Glockson, David Radford, Brett Ace Young, Kevin Covais all sining If I Ever Fall In Love again. All four make it through.

Joshua and Jarret Simmons, the Chicago twins are up singly. Paula is happy. Simon isn't thrilled with either. The cut? They didn't make it. Aw, they seemed like nice kids. Supposedly, the Brittenum twins will set them up with folks.

Back to the tour.

Back to the theater, thankfully. Now the Naive Cowboy Garet Johnson is about to go on stage. He's emotional. I liked him. He sang You Can't Fight the Moonlight. He makes the cut! He's thrilled to death. I like this kid!

What is this? The Brittenum Twins show? They're complaining about others who went on. Huh. Maybe they ought rate the contestants by criminal activities.

Near the end of Day Two... Chris Daughtry is doing well. He makes the cut. Mandisa Hundley is up, makes it. Katherine McPhee, wow! I think good! Makes it.

Crazy Dave Hoover is preparing to go on. Today, he's calm. His energy focused, he takes the stage. Honorable overlords, he calls the judges. He sings Bat Out of Hell. He's all over the stage including a leap at the judge's stand. They're laughing. He's gone, didn't make the cut.

66 hopefuls cut in two days. More tears.

99 are still in.The Group Song section will be next week. Hey, end this FOX! It's cutting into LOST! Make it go 'way for the night!

Jackie OUT!

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 8, 2006

Bits! Bits! I got yer fresh bits here! Er, well... your fresh television/entertainment related newsy bits links I found cruisin' on the web. What kind of bits did you think I was talking about? Sheesh!

American Idol Caught Up in Another Crime Rap Scandal See the latest!
ABC News: Nominees for Major Daytime Emmys
HOLLOWAY STOLE TO SURVIVE_08_02_2006 Hmmm... sounds like his 'LOST' character
Nola.com: NewsFlash - Blog: Woody Allen is back in the game
"THE UNIT," A NEW ACTION DRAMA, PREMIERES TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 9:00-10:00 PM ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK <-- knocks TAR to 10 PM ET/PT on Mar. 7
AOL News - Why Not 'CSI: Kink'? Heh. I've mentioned the kink aspect a bit before.
All Headline News - Child Services Investigates Spears But No Police Charges - February 8, 2006 - Rats.
Ocean's Eleven, the TV Series?
Actor Stephen Baldwin Fights Sex Shop in Nyack

New 'Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at Fran & Barry Lazarus

Well, these two are a bit older than the ones I've written about in my previous entries in this series. Barry, age 63, is a retired physician. His wife, Fran, is a retired accountant and 61 years old. They hail from Silverthorne, Colorado and CBS has dubbed them the MARRIED 40 YEARS couple.

It's onto their official TAR bio for more skinny on 'em!

They've known each other for 45 years and have two children. I'm thinking adult children, but you never know. They're both very well-traveled and both seem to share a sense of adventure. They've traveled to over 45 countries and feel that will give them an advantage in the race. Both are physically active and seem quite determined to show that an older couple can be great competition and may even be winners on The Amazing Race. Will they make their mark? I'm thinking it's a possibility if both are very competitive and physically fit. I know the odds are a bit against them, but I'd love to see them kick butt on the show!

I think I'll not think about the fact that Barry's specialty was urology. I'm trying to think how that might help him in the show. It's not pretty, folks. ;-)

Miss an 'Amazing Race' entry on this blog? All entries are linked here at 'Amazing Race 9' Blog Entries just for you!

The Latest on 'Survivor: Panama - Exile Island' - Spoiler links and more

I barely whetted my 'Survivor' appetite with last week's one hour premiere show. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow's show. I want to know more about these people! I want to pick my own Sole Survivor! I want to see Shane implode! I want to see a catfight! Well, perhaps not... but I always thought the Alicia/Kimmie finger waving chicken fight was fun.

I poked around the web and found these Links O' Interest:

Survivor Fever - News Article - Survivor: Panama - A New York Times interview and observation of Jeff Probst as series host. Interesting read.
Survivor Insider Transcripts - These are transcripts from the videos on the CBS website, stuff not seen on the show itself.
Jeff Probst Media Teleconference - Huh. A media conference and I wasn't invited?
TDT.com Survivor 12: Panama - Exile Island Spoilers - True Dork Times is always an excellent resource.
APP.COM v4.0 - Former SJV star tries to survive Exile Island Asbury Park Press Online - An Asbury Park Press article about Terry Dietz

Miss one of my 'Survivor' blog entries? All are conveniently linked here - Jackie's Survivor Blog/Web Links Reference

Anticipating Tonight's New 'LOST'

The blurb from the ABC Official 'Lost' site is: "Next Episode: Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 9/8c"The Long Con" -- Survivors fear that "The Others" may have returned when Sun is injured during a failed kidnapping attempt."

I've always been one to take a peek at the ending of a book when I want to move ahead. I know some folks really hate spoilers, but not me! Knowing the ending of a book, movie, television episode, whatever -- sometimes even gets my interest growing stronger. So, but of course, I like to look for 'LOST' spoilers.

[SpoilerFix.com] Lost Spoilers is the best resource I've found. Have you any 'LOST' spoiler sites to share?

'Love Monkey' Works For Me

I want to talk 'Love Monkey' today.

Each episode I see of this show has me liking it more and more. In last night's episode, Tom Farrell set out to create a music video for Wayne. Now, of course, his "Wayneness" is as much a part of him as his songs. In trying to do the right thing, Tom foolishly invested tons of funds into a "professional" video producer who, in the end, was just making it as a step to Hollywood. He didn't care about Wayne or Wayne's er... Wayneness. Tom blew up, fired him and made the video himself.

I'm still getting to know the characters in the show. I loved Mike (Jason Priestly's character) with the dog. His wife was testing herself as a mom by taking on dogsitting duties, but Mike thought she was testing him as a possible father. Of course, his friends put that idea in his head. It was a funny little subplot.

I think what I enjoy the most about this show is that it's cleverly written, the characters come across as real people and that it's so much lighter in tone than most hour long shows I tend to watch. I'm a crime buff fan, so this is refreshingly different from my normal drama watching. I like the way the characters interact with each other on the show. I like the city bits actually filmed in the city -- I'm seeing places I can say "I know that place!" I like the basketball comraderie betwixt the four men. The show isn't trying to be way out there or controversial like a 'Desperate Housewives' kind of thing. It's entertaining, witty and has enough small quirky stuff aboard to keep my interest. I don't know much about the music business at all, but I'm enjoying the music on the whole.

I still think that Wayne, played by Teddy Geiger, sounds like John Mayer and looks like Robby Benson (when he was that age). Apparently, he's quite the talent -- CBS has a bio on him here. Huh. He was discovered in that "Search for the Next Partridge Family" show. I suppose he was Keith, not Danny. He's only 17 years old.

What do I not like about the show? Well, the narration I can take or leave. I personally don't think it's needed so much. I'm also wondering a bit about Tom's neverending talents. It seems the only area where he doesn't save the day is in the romance department. So far, he's lost his job at a big record label, snagged an indie label job and snagged the "star" he was courting at the big company (Wayne). He's also produced a better music video than the pro for his client. What can't Tom do? Apparently, he just can't find the right love for the love monkey on his back. Nothing to do with the show itself, but the time slot is a tad off for me. I end up taping 'Law & Order: SVU' to watch 'LM' in real time. I'd prefer the networks confer with me on scheduling. Thank you. :::grin:::

Are you watching 'Love Monkey'? Like it? Didn't catch your interest? Got a crush on Tom Cavanagh (like me)? Think it's 'Ed' done NYC? Let me know!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 7, 2006

TV and Bits. TV and Bits. Gotta get me some TV and Bits. Here's the television/entertainment related newsy bits links I found while cruising around the web today:

Blogging 'American Idol' - The Boston Auditions

*These blog notes are typed as I watch the show and put up immediately foilowing the east coast airing of 'American Idol.' Please ignore or, at the very least, forgive me for any typos, punctuation or otherwise errors. Thank you!

The Boston auditions were held on a rainy day; the Boston cops think they'll have the next Idol because all the "great sports teams" are in town. Yeah, right.

James Yokley, Jr. is doing some sort of odd, but patriotic, hip hop. He's no Eminem. Randy likes the lyrical content; Randy likes his clothes. Simon asked him to actually sing. Not so hot. Randy and Simon say he can't sing, Paula says work on it. Lots of work needed in my opinion -- perhaps a voice transplant?

Father senator, local TV personality mom and she's a top ranked basketball up and coming star, Ayla Brown age 17. Well, she can sing okay -- not exciting to me, though. She's not anyone whose records I'd buy, but... the judges agree with me. Something's missing a bit. Randy's a yes. Simon's a no. Up to Paula. She's onto Hollywood. They think stage presence needs to be worked on. I doubt she'll make it through Hollywood's first cut. Too much work to be done. Stick to basketball for the time being and practice. Oh, wait. No one asked me.

The immigrant, classically trained, the next up is Irada Jaforova (sp). Eep. Her voice is cracking. Not good. Randy is hiding his face giggling and Simon is wide-eyed with his frightened frog look. ACK. Now she's doing Chain of Fools even worse, switched into some other song. Dang, she seems stoned or something. It seemed to break 'AI' for a moment, just silent freeze frames with no sound for about five seconds. Simon said not one note was in tune. She left mad.

Laurence Soarles... bad
Alison L. worse
Katherine H. even worse.
"They kept coming and they kept sucking."
Lots of crying and mad segments...

Simon was grouchy.

The O'Donahue twins are being interviewed. One had an operation affecting her vocal chords and can't sing. They are pretty. Simon says commercial looking. Rebecca is singing. The other is lip synching in the corner. I find it unsettling. Paula says she's beautiful, but her voice isn't as pretty. Simon says no. Paula and Randy say yes. Onto Hollywood.

Tatiana Ward, whose mother married a black man and she has to prove something to her grandmother. Not horrible, but not for me. I personally don't think Idol. Simon says, "I'm not being rude but you remind me of a pet poodle I had." (Her hair.) Randy is a yes, Simon a no, Paula a yes. I'm a no. She sucked up to both Paula and Randy. She didn't suck up to me. Or Simon.

Several women got through to Hollywood, but no auditions shown.

A bit on the jobs of the wannabees. It looks like quite the array of professions.

They're focusing on one who works in rehab with the elderly and uses music and song - Holly Corrente. She's okay. They're reminded of Doris Day. Randy and Paula say no, so does Simon. She was upset, but is mature about it. She says she'll try again.

Huh. Now Ryan is saying the sun is going down. Wasn't it pouring before?

Kenneth Maccarone is singing "I Believe" by Cher. Very odd. Weird. Simon tells him to be a female impersonator. Kenneth says no. Ah, now he goes for Simon, verbally. No Hollywood for you! Bicker. Stand his ground. Heck, I didn't think he even sounded like Cher! He has that evil vindictive look about him. I hope he doesn't own an AK-47.

Now they're talking about the poor showing of males.

Kevin Covais, singing "You Raise Me up." He can sing, but I wonder if he looks the part. He has that strange military brush haircut. Simon says anyone over the age of 80 will like him., Paula says he doesn't look it, but he's a yes. Randy says yes. Simon says no.

A segment of bad "Joy to the World' renditions. Including some sort of dragon armor on one. I'm surprised some know the words... a few sing the Chrismas one, but it's supposed to be the Three Dog Night Jeremiah was a bullfrog one.

Michael Sendecki -- Clay Aiken lookalike (before polishing) - "I really can sing, but I'm nervous as hell and I gotta pee." and "Clay Aiuken's love child." Oh my gosh, the faces he makes while singing. Simon said at least Clay can sing. Paula says no. Now the pee line. They tell him to go, then come back. He runs. I still think he shouldn't go... to Hollywood. He can go to the bathroom. He's back. Still the same. "It made you worse."

28 people from Boston made the Hollywood trip. 175 in all from the auditions will be in Hollywood. Now they're doing a memory lane bit of the auditions. It's hopefully the last time I'll ever see Rhonetta Johnson. Huh... they showed the twins who were uninvited due to their criminal brouhaha. Tomorrow night is the first show from Hollywood... against the Grammy Awards. Ack -- Hell Week. I'll tape the awards and blog 'American Idol.'

New 'Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at Jeremy Ryan & Eric Sanchez

Jeremy Ryan and Eric Sanchez are designated by CBS as the FRIENDS. Jeremy is 26 years old and a valet. Eric is 27 and he's a waiter. Both are from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Interesting bits from their CBS official bio for the show:

Uh-oh. They met in college while running track. That's not why the "uh-oh." The uh-oh is because they say they're "cocky, very competitive and strong athletes." Y'know, I don't always find cocky an admiral trait. That's the uh-oh for me.

Jeremy thinks he's sarcastic and patient. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to give an eyeroll at those qualities -- one usually cancels the other out. @@! Perhaps he's sarcastically patient? He's hoping the race will make something out of his life. (Didn't his college degree get him the valet job?) He's well-traveled.

Then there's Eric, the bartender/waiter. Eric hasn't traveled much out of the country, but he is a two time All American pole vaulter. Okay. He thinks he's athletic and outgoing. Eric says his pet peeve with Jeremy is that he doesn't accept criticism.

Well. This looks like the Male Eye Candy Team. There's supposed to be a video on the bio link at the CBS site, but I can't get it going. I'm not sure who is whom with these two. I think they're probably going to be strong racers, but I'm not sure how much I'll actually like them I guess we'll see!

*All of my blog entries regarding 'The Amazing Race' can be found at this link.

Oh, NO! Wednesday Night DILEMMA!

What are they trying to do to me tomorrow night? I am TIVOless. I have a VCR.

Okay, the Grammy Awards starts live at 8 PM ET (my time zone).
'American Idol' is on at 8 PM ET
Hmmm... watch 'Idol' while taping the Grammys. That's not so difficult, right?

The real dilemma starts at 9 PM.
LOST is a new show, gotta watch hands down no other way.
'Bones' -- I've been taping this as I watch 'Lost' live.
Grammy Awards.
Argh. 'Lost' wins for the live watch, Grammy Awards gets taped, poor 'Bones' loses out.

Then comes the 10 PM hour...
'Law and Order' new episode vs. Grammy Awards. Oh, perhaps I'll watch the last hour of the awards live and tape 'L&O'.

The next dilemma... finding time to watch my tape! Sigh. Sunday ends up being my tape watching day and I don't want to wait. Darn it all to heck!

The big question for folks -- are you going to watch 'Lost' as it airs or the Grammy Awards while taping 'Lost'?

Monday, February 06, 2006

Today's TV Newsy Bits - Feb. 6, 2006

All right, where's them bits? Y'know -- those television/entertainment naughty newsy bits!

Ah, here they are:

New 'Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at David Spiker & Lori Willems

It's time to take a closer look at new TAR racers David Spiker and Lori Willems. CBS has dubbed them the DATING couple. David is a 30 year old musician while Lori is a 25 year old Pizza Hut manager. Both hail from Manhattan, KS. (Not quite like Manhattan, NY.)

From their CBS bio:
They've been dating for about three years. She's ready to settle down, but he wants to be more established in his career before marriage. David thinks he's intelligent and compassionate, but hasn't traveled much. He's looking forward to the traveling aspect of the race. He's scared of heights (there's always at least one of those each season).

Lori thinks she's energetic, understanding and willing. (Always fine qualities for Pizza Hut managers!) She thinks she's more spontaneous than David as he always likes to have a plan. She said they're both looking forward to traveling throughout the world and experiencing other cultures.

Well, good. I think these two may be very refreshing to watch this season. I personally doubt they'll be the best racers ever on the show, but something seems to tell me they're nice folks.

Here's a few links I found about David (not just TAR stuff):
The Pembertons lawrence.com (Good ol' whiskey rock 'n roll!)
Ruskabank lawrence.com (alt/indie rock) I was never too thrilled with old school ska music, so new school probably wouldn't mix well with me. The good ol' whiskey rock 'n roll, good! Free downloads of the Ruskabank music are available at the link.
RockKansas.com - Live Loud Local
RockKansas.com - Live Loud Local <-- second story
Kansas State Collegian: Breeding new sounds 10/01/02

All of my blog entries regarding 'The Amazing Race' can be found at this link.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

New 'Amazing Race 9' Cast: A Closer Look at Scott Braginton-Smith & John Lowe

It's time to take a closer look at new TAR racers John Lowe and Scott Braginton-Smith, dubbed by the producers as LIFELONG FRIENDS. They met in high school, so it's not quite lifelong. Scott's 41 years old and calls West Harwich, Mass., his hometown. Meanwhile, John is 38 and is from Dorchester, Mass.

According to their official CBS bio, John admits to be too controlling at times while Scott isn't controlling at all. Hmmm. John is single, currently living in Boston and they list his job as a wealth manager and artist. Okay. I want to be a wealth manager, too! Will wealthy folks send me money to see how well I manage it? Or mismanage it, most likely. Um... never mind. John has two Great Danes -- cool dogs! He's scared to fly, so he hasn't traveled extensively. He completed the 250 mile AIDS Bike Ride from Boston to NYC, so he may have some determination.

Then there's Scott. He's single and living in Cape Cod, Mass. He's in sales (which could be anything, I guess). From the bio: "He describes himself as a fun and gregarious person whose personal motto is "live, live, live." He claims that the most exciting moment in life has yet to happen." Well, it sounds like he has the spirit.

I want these two to be Chachas-like, but I don't think they will be. Long time TAR watchers know to whom I refer. Scott seems like he'd have a ChaChas personality, but I don't know about John.

Other than all the 'Amazing Race' stuff out on the web, I couldn't find out much about them. One Boston paper had a correction listed. When they made the cast announcements, they initially gave John's age as 8 years old.

Remember! All of my 'The Amazing Race' blog entries are neatly compiled for easy access here. All 'Survivor' related entries are linked here. Everything else is the wild, wild west.

TV Newsy Bits - Weekend Edition (Feb. 4-5, 2006)

It's time for those TV related naughty newsy bits! Here's the television and entertainment related stories which caught my interest as I poked around the web this weekend:

Al "Grandpa" Lewis, Dead at 95

Although some obituaries are listing his age at 82, Al Lewis was indeed 95 years old at the time his his death on Friday. He was born April 30, 1910.

I have a lot of memories of "Grandpa Al." I watched him on 'Car 54 Where Are You?' and 'The Munsters.' I've been to his restaurant Grandpas in Manhattan (long since closed). I watched with interest as the rather eccentric, but very intelligent, candidate ran as the Green Party candidate for Governor of New York in 1998. I saw him on the streets of Greenwich Village. His passing is not all that unexpected due to his age, but sad nonetheless. He led a long and full life. May he rest in peace.

Here are some of the websites with interesting things about Al Lewis: