Artwire- Thanks for that Link. So enjoyable. I can hear Craig saying "shut up I'm a Corporate Shill" He really is an American!

SKF- Sooooo Happy for you both!!

Jitters- Vegas Baby!

Dang, ChicFeline, you little Minx! How can you light a fuse like that and then duck and cover before the details come raining down? Tsk tsk tsk. My teacup is full, the chair pillows are fluffed, and my household is settled. Now, dish, please. I'm awake, comfy, and ready to relish the tale of how ChicFeline caught Craig Cooties. (OK, sorry. I spent the day teaching Etruscan Art to fifth graders. It's taking a while for my inner child to simmer down.)

Yay! A plump! We got plumped tonight! Woooo-hoooo! Better start a tally. Is that 3 now or do each one of RBG's count separately? Cuz then we'd have, like, a gajillion. ;)

I think we're All in this together! What Fun!

It was May 27th of 2006 to be exact.

Can I please preface this by stating that (in my opinion) Craig was a little differrent then. It was a time before the MySpace incident, before Craig was wearing a tie again and before he had a significant other in his life. It just seemed to me at that time he was more open and sharing. I can remember him asking during an interview with two country singers how they handled the fans. They replied that if the fans were not around to approach them, they went out looking for their fans to be with them. Craig's book had also been released one month earlier in April. Having said all of this..............

Craig was working at Zanies in Vernon Hills (a suburb of Chicago). He did two shows on that Saturday and I went to the second show. The audience enters through one door and exits through another. Believe it or not outside of the nightclub (this night club is nestled in a strip mall) by the exit door, a long table and chairs was set up. After the show as people streamed out of the theater Craig was seated at the table to sign books, tickets and to meet and greet the audience. One simply had to wait in line to meet him. He had already done the interview with Playboy and I had my copy with me. I stood in line with by best girl buddy to have the magazine with that awesome picture of Craig signed. When it was my turn I just walked up to the table and opened the magazine to his picture and handed him a silver ink marker. (I still have the marker he used) He signed the magazine and I asked if I could take a picture with him. He readily obliged and stood up. I am all of five feet so I pretty much came up to his arm pit. But with arm around me, we took the picture. For just a few seconds he gazed down at me and smiled. I swear I have never seen eyes like that in my life. I wanted to say something profound and memorable, but all I could utter out was, "I adore you." With that he leaned forward and kissed me. I gather up my belongings said thank you and proceeded to run into the parking lot screaming under my breath. I must have been a sight as I was three hundred pounds at the time.

I have told of this encounter before, but every time I tell it, I get to remember the joy and elation I felt that evening. So thank you for asking and allowing me to relive my moment with Craig. Our memories are tangible bits of our lives that can never be changed. They are permanent for us to own and cherish. So there you have it. My moment, my kiss with Craig.

ChicFeline- That was amazing!

I was smiling when I read this -- it's extraordinary how such a brief, but no less meaningful, encounter like this can stay with you for such a long time. It must be hard for people in the biz to be "always on" but... random acts of kindness towards people who obviously care can be very special Unfortunately, the more famous they become, the harder it is to maintain that zone of privacy, and most either become inaccessible or they start believing the hype and start acting like *******s. Always better to get 'em on the way up, but I have high hopes that Craig will manage to keep his head on straight and keep his personal and professional priorities in order, despite being "discovered." Isn't that (sort of) why he still does standup? :)

*Sigh* Well done, ChicFeline. Stories with Happy Endings are my favorite. :) Now, for chapter two I'd like to find out how the other 5 shows were. Unabridged, please, you Empress of Adjectives.

Then, for a sequel, you could expand on these: have you gone since the signing of your photo? Is there somewhere in cyberspace I can visit to see a copy of the Playboy Picture? Did you ever travel far to see him? Has his routine changed much? You know, just the basics. ;)

What a lovely way to continue my Fabulous Friday. Thanks, Chic!

About that Playboy article --

Just googled it and the April 2006 issue (get out that plastic, ladies) apparently is still on sale...... :)
http://www.highspots.com/product.asp?id=14490


Assuming this is the right issue (20 questions).... I'm not
recommending the seller, whcih I don't know, but ...at $9.99 ..... worth a shot, eh?

Oh, just spotted it on amazon too
http://www.amazon.com/2006-Candice-Michell...e/dp/B000P6K306

and here
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158060769...me=&seller=

------- about Cusack interview

Just noticed that a clip from Craig's interview w/ John Cusack is now posted on Huffington Post.
As already discussed here, that was a very thoughtful interview, and I'm curious how it'll play out of context (it's an excerpt, not the full interview)
with a whole new audience...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/16/j...w_n_102010.html

--about Danza
Finally caught up with last week -- thought it was a funny show and didn't get a bad vibe about the book - it seems Tony just gave it to him, and it was sort of a cookbook and sort of a family bio, so understandable confusion. I thought they got along really well. Didnt realize Maura T was leaving ER -- maybe that's why she's bummed out. And, trying to stop smoking on top of it. Not easy!

One question about Stamos (which came up indirectly in the ER discussion)...
was he cranky or what? Maybe hanging out w/ Don Rickels too much? I thought he came across as kind of mean-spirited and nasty. Craig was TRYING to keep the interview going, but Stamos kept saying "I've got nuthin'. " You can say that again,buddy. He was (to me) sort of unappealing and much more of a downer than either of the gals from ER.

Back to the videos I go... trying to catch up ....

Jitters: The next time I saw Craig was in Las Vegas November of 2007. I saw all three of his show at the Orleans that weekend plus we went to see him with Bob Saget at Caesar's Palace.

After my first encounter, anything less is a dissappointment. But he was a delight at avery show. His routine is a basic outline so it does not change much. But his delivery is such that even when repeating himself it still feels new and fresh. We got to talk a great deal to Randy Kagan who was busy selling his DVD's after the show. So that totaled up to five shows.

The sixth show was back at Zanies a month later on December 7th. I treated three of my friends (early Christmas gifts) to Craig's show. I stood outside in almost below zero weather for two hours and received the front row seats for all of us. We were so close every comment we quietly made to each other Craig heard and commented. We were not rude, nor did we heckle. My background (22 years as a jobbing singer in Chicago) is such I would never heckle a performer. I also know that Craig hates rudness and has no tolerance for it. Craig did ask us questions in passing and we answered. The show was outstanding and my best friends and I started the holiday season with the very best entertainment I could provide. We were all so happy. I did get the original picture we took together (Craig and I ) signed. But I did not get to meet him. A very nice usher took pity on me and took it backstage for Craig to sign after the show.

So that makes six. I am looking forward to Las Vegas at the MGM in July.

Other observations on Stamos:
-his body language said a lot, with his arms wide open and his left hand on the desk often ( to capture all the attention?)
-touching Craig's hand 4 times - I see this as maybe a dominating gesture, maybe "listen to me now, this is important"
- folding his arms across his chest several times - defensive?

He was very, very rude, IMO, and Craig showed great restraint with this guy. The only thing that Craig said, of all the things he would have been justified in saying to Stamos, was "I won't be put on the spot" in reply to Stamos challenging Craig to do the drum rhythm "paradiddle".

Craig can handle really most anything that comes up. My mind is blown away and my admiration for his many talents grows constantly!

Jitters--Ya wee lucky devil! What a total jackpot on the Vegas gig! ;-D Please, will you post a full report when the time comes?



ChicFeline--Wow...I mean, just...wow. :-o Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us. Man, I have *chills* just imagining how completely splendid that first meeting was for you then and how beautifully fixed in time it is in your memory now. I wonder, do you think Craig understands just how much it means to a true fan to be able to connect in a meaningful way like this?

I can't wait to hear how Las Vegas goes...

artwire--Thanks for the great links...as always! :-)

Re: Danza.
I thought that interview was OK, too. Maybe a bit uneven, but Craig seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the book, even if he was not entirely sure about its contents.

Re: Stamos.
Yes, he WAS cranky! >:-p And for no good reason, it would appear. I think yer right, artwire. He had Rickels' funk all over him. ;-) (And will someone explain to me what all of the fawning these younger comedians do over Rickels is all about. He strikes me as a package of freakishly condensed unpleasantness...and not funny at all! Yeah, I guess I'm not a fan.) Craig came near to sainthood for me getting through that interview. "I got nuthin'." Hmph. Truer words were never spoken...

ColoradoLass--I agree. He was VERY rude. Dare I say, even "dick-ish?" That whole comment about "paradiddles" made me laugh out loud. As a bassist, I've seen drummers pull that stuff with other drummers. The ones issuing the "challenges" and talking up their technique are usually the most insecure players around. A drummer who has real chops just PLAYS. They don't yammer on about it. Gawd, whutta tool. :-p

Re: Tierney.
She did seem sad and preoccupied to me, but Craig treated her so kindly that she seemed to warm up as their talk continued. (The Man has his way!) I am sorry to hear about the troubles in her personal life. Rough times...

Re: Goodman.
I thought that interview was odd, too, and a bit strained. Craig was being his engaging self, and doing his best to draw out Goodman, but the guy was just not giving him much to work with. I got the impression that Goodman wasn't feeling well. Sad to say it, but I thought he didn't look well physically, either. Kinda pale and pasty. I wonder if he's eating all right and taking good care of himself? (I know I prolly sound like a mother, but Dang, I like him, and it was hard to watch that, y'know?) What do you guys think?

If the interviews are on fire (and some of them have been lately!), I would certainly enjoy seeing some shows with just two guests a night and expanded interviews. But I am really loving the current "bookend" feel of the opening monologue and the final "What did we learn" sequence. LLS is such an organic show. It's cool to see how it evolves when new elements are introduced.

Current fave e-mail jingle: The Can-Can "No, there's NO time for e-mail!" OK, that jingle Wins at LIFE with its vine-swinging critters, dancing monkeys, airplane banners, and high-kicking Craigs. (Woo! and Hoo!)

Least fave: The Bowie one. Please guys, can ya put that one on the backburner for a while?

Well, shoot...that's more than enough from me on the matter...for the moment. ;-)

The dancing primates crack me up, too. If it ape-peals to you, too, send a friend a monk-e-mail using this link. (K, so I like puns today. Good thing y'all have warped humor, too. It's such fun to be with yer own kind!) http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail/D...-264275710-KH-5.

FYI, the quip about CF's trek to ND was not that far off. If you visit in the summer, don't clean the bugs from your windshield. You'll need them to have something to look at!

Hmmm. The Vegas plot thickens! When I dropped my dog off at our friend's kennel today, I asked them to reserve a spot for the 4th of July. The groomer asked, "How many vacations are you taking this summer anyway?" So I said, "Probably no more than usually. Why?" He just smiled and took our pooch away..Man, will I be disappointed if this falls thru.

Jitters, OMG, I luuuurve you! :-D That monk-e-mail link is perfection! I am gonna have some BIG fun with that!

And BTW, your puns make the world disco-licious. Keep on shinin'...

OK, you had no way of knowing this, but my pet name for my husband, and his for me is...you guessed it...Monkey. (Yeah, it's prolly very silly to other people. But do I care? Hells no!) With any number of adjectives attached to the front: Sweet, Crazy, Sexy--and even Cheeky, pre-Craig!--and so on as the occasion requires. Monkeys have a special place in our hearts and history.

So, when I discovered Craig and LLS, and started hearing all his references to monkeys, it gave me an *extra* giggle, loving a "monkey" as much as I do, and being a "monkey" myself.

Thank you for making my day! You rock!

And fingers and toes crossed for your Vegas adventure! My goodness, just what does your man have up his sleeve?

Other than an arm, 'cause that would kinda be expected... ;-)

I was really uncomfortable with Stamos's Interview behavior.
Craig was really tested by him, and kept his cool during shock after shock.
I agree that the comment "I won't be put on the spot by you" was as much as Craig could take at that point. Appropriate.
Did anyone mention the Rudest remark that Stamos made directly to Craig? "you are an "A--H---" What?
Seriously is that the way a guest speaks to his Host? Thumbs down.

I've seen Goodman in interviews before where he is just boring, and grumpy.
but Thumbs Up for an Interview like Dario Franchetti! Awesome! and Wolfgang Puck, and Tom Sellick, and Cusack, and on and on. They were all great!

You're welcome, VerdureVision! Your happiness should even out the annoyance I've caused others today!

Try it with song lyrics. There's just something giggle-licious about a monotone monkey in drag saying, "If you really want me and you think I'm sexy, come on, Baby, let me know!" *guh-yuk-yuk* Make it announce LLS e-mails next. Ah, the joys of time on my hands and a frisky cranium.

OMG! I forgot to set the DVR and I'm in rurual Doldrums visiting the in-laws! HELP!!! Wary? Can you "Cary" me? I usually am so anal about this stuff, too. It's not like I don't go to the farm every month to defend my crown as HRH, Queen of NerfDarts. Could this be the demise of my legacy? Could it tip the scales in favor of my overly-confident nieces and nephews? Tune in tomorrow...

BTW, I sincerely hope Stamos and Goodman have been added to the "ewww, icky interview people" list and aren't invited back.

redbankgirl, I haven't heard anyone mention yet Stamos dropping that A-bomb on Craig, but it certainly happened! I think I was so shocked that my mind must have blanked it out...yikes. Definitely no way to act as a guest...anywhere. The phrase "raised by wolves" comes to mind... >:-(

Hey, can we add the David Boreanaz interview to the thumbs-up list? I thought they were charming as hell together (Man-Crush! Hee!) and kept cracking each other up, which always makes me laugh, too.

So, John Goodman is just kinda boring and grumpy interviews in general? That's a bummer. I've always enjoyed his work, but haven't seen him as himself much. What a letdown... :-(

Jitters, you're too clever by half! :-D Annoying is something I would definitely never call you. Your suggestions have inspired me to create some truly cracked Monk-e-mails. Thank you!!

On a random note: I hate to even admit it, but I was oddly impressed when Carrot Top flashed one of his "guns." And I think Craig was, too. ;-o

I hope Craig gets back to the regularly taped shows next week, instead of these shows that were taped months ago, and are only now airing.

I wonder what he’s been doing with his week off? I imagine he’s writing his ass off, and I hope he finishes the book soon so that ‘the man’ doesn’t come down on him. In the meantime, I sent in an email last week, not realizing that it would be an entire week before a new episode would be taped. Ah well, at least he’ll have a full week’s worth of emails to work with come Monday.

Maybe he's celebrating his BIRTHDAY? (today, I think) He referenced it on the show the other night but "forgot" what day he was supposed to be speaking "live." :) Happy B'day Craig!

Another good interview - I thought the guy from Ugly Betty (sorry, can't recall his name) was really game - it was pretty clear he didnt know what to expect, but the interview a week or so back was really funny and they 'clicked' so well it really took off - We were laughing all the way through that one. Just underscores a point, I guess, that you don't have to be rich and famous to be an interesting guest.

Artwire-
Rd 'you don't have to be rich and famous to be an interesting guest'
So true,I agree about the guest from Ugly Betty: He was Entertaining, Unpretensios, and interesting; not Pompous, Vulgar, boring or Irritating.

-and you're right on it regarding Craig's Birthday Celebration, Yes!

- I would add Vinnie Jones to the Thumbs Up list of Good Interviews. He and Craig were good together.

I loved all of that comparison talk about UK food, meat pies and where to get them in Santa Monica. I learned something, while being entertained.
- It's always fascinating to be allowed a Peek inside the mind of those you find interesting to begin with.

(sorry, Unpretentious)

must proof read.

Happy Birthday, Craig!!!

Sit back, relax and enjoy your day.
May your year be blessed with happiness, joy and the love you surely deserve.

Yeah, I think he's saying that democracy and rule of law go hand in hand. I wish he would have explained that a little more. While neocons are (or were) defined as former liberals, I don't think Craig was necessarily talking about them.

I'm an oddball:

I thought the Maura interview was fine. She seemed very Maura to me.

I also thought Goodman was fine. He had a better interview on another talk show this week (Letterman, maybe?) but I didn't think it was bad.

I also didn't find the Stamos interview offensive. He definitely had a Rickles style going but I think Craig was smart enough to see that. I do wish he would've had been more Stamos than Rickles. I know Craig worships Rickles but I don't. I can respect him but I don't find him amusing.

Hee. As a Flight of the Conchords fan, I love that one just because it reminds me of one of their songs.

I wish there was a way that you lucky ducks who get to go to Las Vegas could wave a sign or somehow let dear Craig know that you are fans and representing TWOP. Maybe someone can send flowers to his dressing room with a card "With love, Your TWOP friends".

By the way, it is going to be hot as a furnace in LV...no need to pack a sweater. (I am from LV, ugh).

Just watched that one, and I've gotta say, even though he seemed really nice and Craig seemed to enjoy talking with him, I didn't have a CLUE as to what he was saying. I think Vinnie may be better suited for action movies than romantic comedies (or porn) :)

I just love the show summaries ... not sure the Pirate recap worked as well as some of the others (the one for dogs is my favorite), but it was still cute. When he speeds up like that and has absolutely perfect timing, they're just priceless. "Horse, horse, horse, HORSE!"

I'm still chuckling over Janet Jackson and the 'weavers', too. Do you think the CBS censors really are after him, or is it just a conceit so he can be naughty for us? (not that there's anything wrong with that!!!) I know it can be expensive if they're fined, but most of the time WE are filling in the blanks anyway ... he doesn't even have to say anything, just ... wait for it , wait for it, wait for it ... The Look ... :))

I went looking for a few Craig movies (I told you I was a newbie) and Blockbusters had none of them! I may have to join netflix just to sample some of the early years. Which do you recommend for starters? As for new movie roles --he was channeling John Cleese on the German episode ... might be too soon, but maybe a Fawlty Towers movie? I'm picturing Craig, the rat, and the Health inspector... Another role that I thought he'd be good in (with a Scottish, vs a cockney accent) is the Ipcress File. Rough around the edges detective, not so much re-doing the Michael Caine version, but updating it and maybe glamorizing it a bit. Or Three Days of the Condor. Hmmmm...

If I had my 'druthers, he'd stay on late nights, continue to do standup, and write more books rather than go back to the movie business ... much as I'd love to see him on the big screen, I don't want to have to wait years for the next release when we're used to having him (so to speak) every night. Plus, Craig unleashed and spontaneous ... vs Craig scripted. No contest.

I'm from LV too and I still question the competency of a booking agent who books you in Las Vegas in July and Minnesota in February.

Y'all are cracking me up today ( and I need it... I forgot sunscreen yesterday and resemble a red crayon )



He was speaking english :-p Anywhoo friday night it was like eye candy squared (el yeah !!!) I say bring him on again, and again...



Hehehe maybe the accomodations are cheaper or you get extra $$ ... Wait I got it -> it is EXTREME Standup :-) <yeah I know I am a dork>

ColoradoLass- I agree with every word of your review of Stamos' Interview.
Craig really had a challenge to handle, and did very well. To hear him say "I won't be put on the spot by you" was the most I've ever heard Craig say to ANY guesy ever.

yeah! Did you hear when Craig was talking to Maura T a few days later and she mentioned that the other ER cast had been on the show ... He said, Yes, Parminder has been here, and Maura added, and Jon, Craig said "Jon???? Jon?????? (blank look) Oh, yeah, Stamos ... he's been here many times. It felt like a lot of times. Maybe it was only once....

I'm paraphrasing and it went by very fast so it may not have been quite that obvious, but I thought that was pretty funny at the time .. even if the little jab was followed by a denial ... "I found them not very pleasant.... nooooo I like them both.... they're great... I'm kidding... followed by a more telling question a bit later: "Do you get along with them?"

I'm going to have to listen to that conversation again, but I don't think the original Stamos encounter was just a 'show biz' routine - and I agree, he did handle an uncomfortable situation very well. Weird behavior, regardless of the reason. Jealousy? I just don't understand why people are paying homage to Rickels, unless it's just his longevity that they're admiring. He's always come across as kind of creepy - even when he used to be on the Johnny Carson show back in the day he was often mean, boorish, insulting to the point that I would actually cringe ...and decidedly not funny ... remind you of anyone????

Netflix has a Craig movie I saw called "Saving Grace" its about 9 yrs old, he wrote it and directed it. He plays a "nice guy" but his charm doesn't come through in the movies as it does on TV, I don't think.

I have to agree that some male "stars" that come on Craig's show are hard to interview. I don't think they like the casual format, and he is better looking than most of them, and fairly aggressive in interviews. The male celebrities have big big egos. Stamos please. That guy thinks he's God's gift.

Tony Danza -- awful. After Craig talked for 2 segments on Frank Sinatra saying his death was 10 yrs ago (I know it was pre-recorded) Danza comes on and comes out with "Hey, Franks going to be dead 10 years, did you know that?" Then he's fidgeting and sticks his hand in her water cup, and then gets mad at whoever put it there. Yikes.

Yes, Cusack, who doesn't have a outsized ego, was amazing getting his point across.

Go Craig.

I think the reason I think Stamos was doing a schtick is because Craig did get a chance to meet and talk with him when he came with Don Rickles. Apparently, that was when the initial invitation to do the show was mentioned. It's not like he was going in blind. If Craig had found him unpleasant in that initial encounter, I doubt he'd invite him to be on the show as Craig has said that there are people he has no interest in having on his show. He could have easily prevented a Stamos interview.



I've already expressed my love for this interview but that doesn't mean Cusack doesn't have an outsized ego. He was interviewed on a local radio program a few months back and he was an absolutely disinterested asshole which was disappointing.

I'm back from a long weekend watching my niece graduate from high school (talk about Craig feeling old at 46! My niece has always been a little girl and suddenly she's grown up and tall and going to college in September and wants to study web design).

artwire--I think those of us who've seen Craig's movies all have a different favorite. Mine happens to be I'll Be There, which he co-wrote with Phillip McGrade and he directed. Unfortunately it's also the movie that I think nearly caused Craig to have a nervous breakdown at Cannes because he knew the movie on the screen wasn't necessarily what he wanted as opposed to what the Hollywood people wanted. But still, drop any bias based on that and simply watch. Craig has a very lyrical, warm touch in his directing and I think he got a fairly decent performance out of Charlotte Church. Plus to see him with long hair....yum.

That being said though, I think people are right when they say you don't see his real charm in his films. The Big Tease comes closest to giving you that, but not quite. Go back and watch the Drew Carey Show and watch how Drew has to fight to not fall apart laughing when Craig does things to get that charm.

I only got to see a couple of minutes of the LLS on Friday (the monologue recaps, which I love). How did his interview with Reba McIntyre go? I know he loves country music and she gives good interviews so I hope it went well.

Yes, I thought Reba and Craig did a great interview. She's very sharp, and was very clever when she answered him, or jabbed at him. It was really charming and entertaining. I personally thought Cusack, although I like his acting, was a little full of himself. Craig is much more humble.

A note about Cusack: I've not seen him on many talk shows, so it was interesting when I found out he was going to be on the LLS, which is a tough show to do an interview on if you're not used to it. So I thought he really held his own and really engaged Craig with a serious discussion.

btw, I just saw Reba's interview on the LLS. She did great, but she usually does, and Craig clearly loves talking to her. I wonder if one of his fascinations with her has to be the accent, which would be funny since I'm sure he's had lots of people just wanting to hear him talk, too. And does anybody know what it was the Dixie Chicks said about her that had Craig so upset?

Well, I thought. I'm partial to interviews that come off as either a casual "eavesdropping on 2 people waiting to be seated at IHOP" type or an insane "fly on the wall when only the crazy friends are left at the party." Reba was IHOP. :) I think the Dixie Chicks thing goes back to the whole Bush slamming. I vaguely recall Reba commenting somewhere on their lack of respect for/using music concerts to promote their political agenda instead of doing it in a different form.

Did anyone notice that we got a "pirate-theme" hat trick this week? His pirate impersonations tickle my tummy every time. Or is it that they shiver mee timbers? Hee hee. How did I manage to watch when I forgot to set the DVR and had no remote control privileges at the in-laws, you ask? Well, Davis, I'll tell ya if'n yer quiet. ;) Mr. Jitters sneaked back into the house right before we skedaddled to rural Doldrums to make sure LLS was recorded. All together now: Awwwww. Way better than a bouquet of flowers!

Mr. Jitters sounds like a special guy. You should keep him! :)

I ran across this 2006 interview today and thought I'd add the link - it may be familiar to you, but I thought the part where he said he writes BEFORE he signs book deals was kind of topical, given recent events (and schedules).


... luckily I didn't make a deal. So I was just like, yeah, when another one's ready I'll make a deal for it. I won't make a deal for a book I haven't written. That doesn't seem right to me.

THe full interview is at:

http://www.comedycouch.com/interviews/cferguson.htm


Reba was cute with Craig - nice and easy going, but playful. Good vibe.

Thanks for the movie info, scf, I'm still thinking about it. Craig as he is, vs Craig as he was.... maybe better not to know. I'll wait til I finish the book -- I keep having to stop but I'm going to get back to it over the holiday weekend.
Also just discovered that my cable provider has added a new station that is running Drew Carey reruns every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night at 10 and 1030.... it's on ION ( the station formerly known as PAX) in case anyone is looking for it. Who knew? I'm excited - havent seen those since they first aired, except on YT.

Jitters -> Mmmmmmm IHOP (sorry could not resist)



Thank you Irene B.... glad to know I am not the only one thinking along those lines :) He is probably a real smart guy, but the whole time he was yammering away all I could think of was Ben Stiller's character in Dodgeball { feel free to flame me :-D }

Thanks for the link to the interview artwire. Very informative and like you I'm thinking with that comment about book deals that maybe the autobiography has already been written and maybe we're just waiting now for the editing process and when the publisher finds the right window to release it. It does make me wonder though what it was Craig had to remove from the novel to prevent legal issues, because as scathing as the novel is in places about certain people and things, it would've had to have been something jaw-dropping. I know there were names that were changed, but I could certainly guess who he was writing about in certain places (and I'm sure most of the readers in Hollywood had a good chuckle at that, too).

Craig as he is vs. Craig as he was....interesting thought. Warycary is probably the only one among us who encountered the Craig as he was back before he got sober. From her description of him back then I would've been turned off and more than a little intimidated by him, so I'm glad I didn't encounter that side. But from 1996 on (when I first saw him) has been interesting to me. He is certainly a highly complex creature, definitely multi-faceted, probably still susceptible to rage and self-loathing but trying to do better, understanding he has a son that needs him to curb turning that rage in upon himself and out of love and survival instinct works at that every day. And there's a very sensitive, soft, romantic side lurking down deep. It's all in the novel, so I think the novel is the best representation of him that exists, if you know how to read between the lines.

Or maybe, like the Brad Paisley song I heard on the ACM's last night, he's trying to tell us, "I'm still a guy".

Cool article, artwire. Can anyone explain why Wikipedia said Canadians needed Craig to apologize?

Some notes about tonight's show:

--ah, I guess whenever Craig has a week off there's speculation all over the internet about whether he's getting married. I'm glad he got to go back to Scotland for a happy moment (though he better watch it about making fun of Alabamans too much, or his friend's wife will kick his ass).

--we learned tonight that the correct pronunciation of the ceremonial dagger is 'skian doo', as someone pointed out in here once. That really bites that his luggage got lost, but I fell in the floor laughing over the new map showing how far away his bag was (1 KAZILLION MILES). And Craig is super-pissed about it.

--if Craig wasn't already involved with someone, and Valerie Bertinelli wasn't already invovled with someone, I think they'd make a great couple.

--Craig hates pineapple on pizza. I never liked pineapple on ham, much less pizza.

--and is it me, or has Craig's hair color been changing? It suddenly doesn't appear to be as gray. Just For Men, maybe?

IMO Craig should return to Scotland more often. His energy was Amazing tonight! It was almost like an infusion of "Self" I loved it.

His Rant and Outrage was the Best! especially because he was so Right.
He was as Sharp as a tack, all the way through tonight. Everyone feels good after a dose of what they were raised with. Imagine that wedding where everyone was just like him, and took their Kilts for granted, and spoke the same language, and The Wedding Tradition itself had to Ground Craig, and give him "warm fuzzys"

After all it is That background that makes him the guy that we all love.

Re. the Show: Very Quick Witty banter tonight with both guests, especially Poriskova; she impressed me, and she and Craig had that 'easy speak' that people raised in Foreign Lands have; an ease of Type, and Subject matter.
Nothing could go wrong for him. So happy.
I wonder if he had a Birthday celebration over there too?

The birthday celebration...oh I'm sure there was one! Methinks Craig was living his old joke about what a Scotsman wears. And I agree maybe he should go back for weddings more often because he really burst with energy tonight.

btw, just reading Variety online and saw that his floor producer Michael Naidus has been promoted to #2 behind Peter Lasally. Lasally was quoted in the article that he and Craig are really close and have worked together well. So while Michael is going into the booth this is a true promotion in every sense of the word. I guess if Lasally were thinking of retirement, having Naidus there would be beneficial for Craig.

thanks, soulcornflake, that was an interesting Variety piece. He's been there since Tom Snyder days. Wonder if it'll change the 'floor' dynamics much. Craig seems to have so much fun with someone there on the right side of the cameras. Here's the URL in case anyone wants to read that article.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111798612...yid=14&cs=1

How interesting. Lasally can really pick them. First Johnny Carson, now Craig.
Yes. if Naidus and Craig have the same good relationship that Craig has with Lasally then Craig will continue to benefit-

plus Craig has all of His Incredible experience already laid down in the Foundation of his work, and has a stable winning formula going now.

I can imagine that Craig is very easy to work with because of his general attitude. He's like a sponge who soaks everything up.

I'm going to try to read that article. tnx skf.

OMG was he a hoot last night :) And it is nice to know Air Scotia is still alive and kicking (Mwhahahaha.... I bet Captn' Duff was in charge of baggage that day)

Wonder if he is going to get his stuff back. . . . if not how is he ever going to replace his Hello Kitty bag ? <hehehehe>

These promotions are nothing new within the WWP realm. Remember Rob Burnett used to be David Letterman's floor producer and now he practically runs WorldWide Pants. So that brings about some new speculation on my part: could Michael Naidus' promotion to just behind Peter Lasally indicate he may be the next generation running WWP? Eventually Lasally will retire and so will Letterman, and Burnett has been with Letterman as long as he's been around. With all the shifting that's expected in the Late Night landscape in the next couple of years, this might be a big shift we're seeing. And if Naidus starts rising within WWP itself, what does that say for Craig's future? Could this be another 'grooming' moment for our guy to step into the LS role behind Dave?

awww... for some reason that variety article isn't pulling up.

Just watched last night's episode and I came on here to say that the episode is easily in my top 10! Craig was "fiesty", quick, and hilarious! The guests were outstanding; They brought a lot to show. When Craig was talking to Paulina about Czech writers, it was I who felt "such a fool." The show really showcased Craig's strengths: his intelligence, his ability to think on the fly, and his soft side (when he was admiring the pics of Valerie and her son). Excellent show all around!

ETA: I really should have watched this to offset the cry-fest that was the season finale of House.

....and I NEVER cry!

As impressed as I am with the deep thinking going on with today's posts, I gotta ask: how can the same crew that planned Get Nekkid on Leap Day not post a comment on last night's e-mail intro? I mean REALLY! I expected someone in this quick-tongued coterie to say something. I can't be the only one who was torn between chuckles and dirty-dog whistles. Or maybe I am. >:)

Apparently Nurse Shorty there's a problem with the Variety article because I tried pulling it up out of Google and couldn't get it to load. Maybe we'll be able to pull it up later.

Have to agree with you about the emotional drainage from House really had me needing what Craig did last night. To giggle as helplessly as I did through the whole show was an antidote to what we witnessed earlier. I wonder if Craig called HL up this morning and had the same response we did: what in the hell were you guys trying to do, depress us into mass suicide? Sheesh....

Jitters you are not the only one ;-) The part that got me was the RAM hehehehe but it is still #2 to the no time one. I mean it has dancing monkeys ! I really liked it when he stated about famous people going off on who they are voting for, I did an el YEAH !!! on that one. Anywhooo, It tickled me when he asked PP if there was a bug in her book. That was just shy of spit take worthy.

Oh, and let me tell you something about what Craig described as 'Alky Power'--IT'S REAL. In my line of work I've had more than one alcoholic talk about how they had to find a quick change of clothing in the predawn hours in less than 15 minutes for the following reasons:

1) They needed to get home before spouse/parents/hall monitor woke up
2) Their own clothes reeked and they didn't want anyone to know where they'd been
3) They're nowhere near home and need the change of clothing to go to work/keep appointment, etc.
4) They realize the spouse of the other person (most likely alky themselves) will be home ANY SECOND and they can't find their regular clothes and need to get the hell out of there
5) The sound of sirens reminds them maybe the cops are looking for them for some reason and need to get the hell out of there

Suffice it to say, alcoholics have a certain magic about being able to find a change of clothes in less time and in harsher circumstances than it takes for most of us to drink a cup of coffee in the morning. Drug addicts have some of the same resourcefulness but where clothes are concerned the alcoholics have that special talent. Even Craig would tell you that it's funny how they all have that resourcefulness to find the one and only dope dealer in Outer Mongolia with nobody around for 200 square miles and only 10 minutes to find them, yet they cannot employ the same resourcefulness to find help to get off the stuff when they become aware they have a problem.

The entire articles are on the links, I just copied and pasted those that referred to Craig.


From the Buffalo News http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/e...ory/349811.html
In all fairness to Fallon, I must admit thinking Conan O'Brien the most overrated man in America. I also have to admit knowing nothing about Craig Ferguson before he took over CBS' "Late Late Show" from that other Craig (Kilborn). And the show of Ferguson, that malicious oversized Scottish elf, has turned into the gem of all late night network television.


From The Herald Bulletin http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/columns/l...=secondarystory
Of course, Leno probably won't be looking for long. NBC wants to offer him some kind of prime-time gig, but he probably won't take it. In fact, some say ABC will kill off "Nightline" and give Leno the 11:35 p.m. slot, going head to head against O'Brien and bumping Jimmy Kimmel back to take on NBC's Fallon and CBS' Craig Ferguson, whose anarchic silliness reminds one of Steve Allen, Ernie Kovacs and Letterman himself

I don't know if this will work for the Variety article, I made a tiny url for it.
http://tinyurl.com/3l8mfj